Metro Manila, Philippines – The Miss Universe Organization reaffirmed that it “remains under its current ownership and leadership” after Filipino businessman and former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson talked about possible acquisition talks.
Singson on Friday, Jan. 2, posted on Facebook that he and his daughter, Ako Ilocano Ako party-list Rep. Richelle Singson talked with former Miss Universe vice president Shawn McClain.
“He (McClain) updated us with possible acquisition talks on Miss Universe Organization,” Singson wrote.
He said the Miss Universe pageant was “not owned anymore” by Thai businesswoman Anne Jakrajutatip and Mexican billionaire Raúl Rocha.
While it did not directly mention Singson, the Miss Universe Organization said it had to address “recent false and misleading statements regarding its ownership and leadership.”
“These statements have been made seeking to misrepresent ownership, falsely suggest acquisition or purchasing opportunities, and create confusion,” the pageant brand said.
“Such actions appear designed to deceive the public, improperly solicit investments, and exploit the Miss Universe brand for personal benefit, visibility, or advantage,” it added.
The organization said it is reviewing the issue with legal advisors and will take “appropriate and necessary steps” to prevent further “false, misleading, or unauthorized” actions or statements.
Rocha also commented on the issue through his Instagram story.
“I’m fed up with that delusional fool and his daughter making statements, dreaming of something he wouldn’t be able to achieve in a hundred years,” the Mexican tycoon said. “Keep dreaming, my lawyers will put an end to your fairytales.”
Rocha has been embroiled with controversy after the conclusion of the 74th Miss Universe pageant, where Fatima Bosch of Mexico was crowned the new winner.
French-Lebanese musician Omar Harfouch, who resigned from the pageant’s jury, alleged that the results were rigged, which Rocha denied.
In late November, international media reported that Mexico was investigating Rocha in relation to alleged drugs and arms trafficking as well as fuel theft.
