Chavit Singson eyes Miss Universe acquisition amid controversies

Former Ilocos Sur governor and businessman Luis “Chavit” Singson has confirmed that he is exploring the possibility of acquiring the Miss Universe pageant, a move he says is driven by growing concerns over the credibility and direction of the iconic international competition.

Speaking in an informal conversation with select members of the entertainment media at his residence on 22 December, Singson revealed that initial discussions are already underway with individuals who previously held key leadership roles within the Miss Universe Organization (MUO). While no formal offer has been finalized, he made it clear that his interest is serious and rooted in a desire to restore trust in the pageant.

According to Singson, one of the people he has already spoken to is Paula Shugart, the longtime former president of MUO. Shugart is expected to visit the Philippines in January 2026 for a formal meeting, where the possibility of an acquisition and future leadership structure will be discussed. Singson said he has also reached out to other former executives and is open to engaging more members of the organization’s previous management team.

The former governor shared that his interest intensified following a series of controversies that have plagued the pageant in recent years, particularly allegations questioning the integrity of judging process. He pointed to the most recent Miss Universe edition, where accusations of irregularities sparked public backlash and internal unrest.

“There were accusations that the judging was compromised,” Singson said, explaining that the situation prompted him to consider buying the pageant outright rather than watching its reputation continue to suffer. He added that discussions with former MUO leaders led to plans for an in-person meeting in the Philippines early next year.

While Singson admitted that he does not yet know the exact valuation of Miss Universe, he said he is prepared to negotiate should talks progress. For him, the price is secondary to ensuring that the pageant is run by people who understand its legacy and operational complexities.

If the acquisition pushes through, Singson said he wants experienced hands back at the helm. Central to his vision is the possible return of Shugart, whom he credits for successfully steering Miss Universe for many years. He expressed confidence in her ability to manage the pageant, citing her deep familiarity with its global operations and standards. He also mentioned that he may seek discussions with other former MUO executives, including Shawn McClain.

The renewed scrutiny surrounding Miss Universe follows the controversial coronation of Mexico’s Fatima Bosch as Miss Universe 2025 during the pageant held in Bangkok, Thailand. Allegations of cheating and manipulation surfaced shortly after the event, fueling online debates and prompting one of the judges to resign. The judge later publicly claimed that the competition had been compromised even before coronation night, going so far as to label the result illegitimate.

Despite the controversy, the Philippines’ representative, Ahtisa Manalo, finished as third runner-up, earning praise for her performance amid the turmoil.

As Miss Universe faces one of the most turbulent periods in its history, Singson’s potential entry into the picture signals a dramatic shift that could redefine the future of the pageant. Whether his interest will translate into ownership remains to be seen, but his message is clear: for Miss Universe to endure, credibility, transparency and experienced leadership must take centerstage once again.