Miss Universe has been officially sold to JKN Global Group, the company run by Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip or Anne JKN. She is a business mogul and trans rights advocate known in Thailand for starring in its versions of Project Runway and Shark Tank.
She has been open about her experiences as a transgender woman.
Miss Universe was previously owned by the management company IMG, which in turn has been owned by Endeavor Group since 2013.
JKN Global Media spent $20 million for the acquisition.
Donald Trump also owned all or part of the Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants from 1996 until 2015.
She is also the first woman to own the Miss Universe Organization in the 71 years of its operation.
Anne JKN has been open about her experiences of being bullied as a kid in Thailand and coming to terms with her gender identity, which caused her to drop out of her all-male school and complete her studies later at a school in Sydney, Australia.
In a statement, Jakrajutatip said, “The global reach of this organization, its relationships with global partners and brands, and its wealth of content, licensing, and merchandising opportunities make this a strong, strategic addition to our portfolio. We seek not only to continue its legacy of providing a platform to passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and traditions, but also to evolve the brand for the next generation.
Along with being the CEO of JKN Global Group, Jakrajutatip was one of the founders of the LIFT (Life Inspired For Transexual) Foundation to advocate for the rights of transgender people.
The Miss Universe Organization will be keeping its President Paula Shugart and CEO Amy Emmerich.
JKN Global Group both produces its own shows and distributes media like documentaries and Bollywood dramas for Thai markets.
They also expanded into beauty, drinks, and lifestyle products.
