Word war erupts over Miss Universe ownership claims
Days later, the Miss Universe Organization itself released an official statement forcefully denying the claims and reaffirming its ownership and leadership.
Daily TribuneDays later, the Miss Universe Organization itself released an official statement forcefully denying the claims and reaffirming its ownership and leadership.
FORMER Miss Universe vice president Shawn McClain, Chavit Singson and Congresswoman Richelle Singson.
Photograph courtesy of CHAVIT SINGSON/FACEBOOK
A public war of words has erupted over the ownership of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), pitting businessman and former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson against current MUO leadership in a dispute marked by explosive claims, sharp rebukes, and legal warnings.
The controversy began after Singson posted on social media that he had met with his daughter, Congresswoman Richelle Singson, and Shawn McClain, a former Miss Universe vice president, who allegedly updated them on “possible acquisition talks” involving the Miss Universe Organization. In his post, Singson claimed that MUO is “no longer owned” by Anne Jakrajutatip or Raul Rocha Cantú and went further to allege that both individuals have arrest warrants against them. He added that discussions would continue with what he described as the “rightful owners” and creditors allegedly defrauded.
The statements immediately drew a furious response from Raul Rocha, who identified himself as the owner of the Miss Universe Organization. In a scathing message, Rocha dismissed Singson and his daughter’s claims as delusional, accusing them of fantasizing about an acquisition he said they could never achieve. He warned that his legal team would take action to stop what he called their “fairy tales.”
Days later, the Miss Universe Organization itself released an official statement forcefully denying the claims and reaffirming its ownership and leadership. Without naming Singson directly, MUO described recent statements circulating publicly as “false and misleading,” accusing unnamed parties of misrepresenting ownership, falsely suggesting acquisition opportunities, and creating public confusion.
“The Miss Universe Organization remains under its current ownership and leadership,” the statement said unequivocally.
MUO further disclosed that it is reviewing the matter with its legal advisers and will take “all appropriate and necessary steps” to address and prevent what it described as deceptive or unauthorized use of the Miss Universe name and brand. The organization cautioned the public against relying on unofficial sources and stressed that verified updates would only come through its official channels.
As it prepares to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Miss Universe competition, MUO emphasized continuity in leadership, long-term vision, and its global mission of women’s empowerment, social responsibility, and community engagement.
With legal action now looming and sharply opposing narratives in play, the high-profile dispute has cast an unexpected shadow over one of the world’s most iconic beauty pageants — raising questions about accountability, credibility, and the true motives behind the competing claims.
