Miss Universe co-owner appears to say diverse contestants 'cannot win' in resurfaced video

Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY

Updated 31 May 2024 at 9:55 am·3-min read

A leaked recording from an alleged Miss Universe board meeting in November is making waves as the pageant co-owner appears to disparage diverse contestants despite pageant's promise of inclusivity.

Miss Universe co-owner Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip reportedly states women from "non-traditional backgrounds" can compete but they "cannot win," a video obtained by Vox Wednesday shows. The video was shared by meeting attendee and former CEO of Miss Universe Mexico Rodrigo Goytortua Ortega, per the outlet.

"The trans women, the women with husbands, divorced women … This is a communication strategy, because, you understand … they can compete, but they cannot win. We just put the policy out there. Social inclusion, as people would say," Jakrajutatip, a trans woman, appears to say in the video.

Several board members appear to agree that the diversity efforts are good so people will feel seen and want to buy more Miss Universe products.

"We can have real-size beauty, the contestant. Very big size … (But) we'll have to control the audience (lest) they vote all for the big size," Jakrajutatip adds presumably referring to weight, with several nodding in agreement.

When reached for comment, a representative for Miss Universe sent USA TODAY a statement dated Feb. 23, titled "Miss Universe Organization stands strong in upholding values of inclusion, transparency, and integrity."

The organization described the video's circulation as "malicious attempts by certain individuals to tarnish the reputation of our organization by spreading false accusations."

"In light of recent misinformation and attempts to smear the Miss Universe Organization, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the core values we have diligently defended over the years," the statement read, in part.

"The Miss Universe Organization has worked tirelessly to promote inclusion, transparency, and integrity, and we will not be swayed by unfounded allegations. We have been informed of malicious attempts by certain individuals to tarnish the reputation of our organization by spreading false accusations."

The organization added, "We wholeheartedly embrace and defend the expression of beauty in its various forms."

USA TODAY reached out to a rep for Jakrajutatip for comment.

The video has already circulated outside of the U.S., but has garnered new attention as all eyes are on the pageant world amid Miss USA's current controversy and resignations. Jakrajutatip is the CEO of JKN Global Group, which also owns Miss USA and Miss Teen USA.

Miss USA pageant resignations: An explainer of the organization's chaos — and what's next

What has the Miss Universe CEO said?

Jakrajutatip seemingly addressed the leaked footage in a Facebook post in February. "The malicious edited video was out of context and used to manipulate other people which led to the public confusion, misunderstanding, misinterpretation and wrong conclusion," she wrote. "I hope the world would not go round by this non sense soap opera alike."

Addressing Ortega, she wrote, "I still don’t comprehend why this man, who I was so nice to him, would like to jeopardize me and the organization while we were talking about one of the new reality show episodes not the pageantry itself."

She added that the alleged attempt at sabotage "wasn't successful as we always have the strong clever fans who can distinguish what is real or not."

Miss USA and Miss Teen USA's moms say they were 'abused, bullied, and cornered'

"We always have the kind supporters who genuinely love MUO brand and believe in our core value of promoting diversity. I'm a trans woman and a mother myself who all my life fight for the gender equality rights to be where I am," Jakrajutatip added.

She concluded: "I do have strength to forgive this man and show the desire to the universe that LOVE is what we need in this world. Amen."

Jakrajutatip acquired Miss Universe in 2022 and is the first woman to own the organization. During her tenure, the pageant began allowing married women, mothers and transgender contestants to compete.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Miss Universe owner appears to denounce diversity in leaked video

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