A power struggle is seemingly looming between the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) and its VP for Asiana Nawat Itsaragrisil, as the global pageant thumbed down the ‘special dinner and talk show’ hosted by the latter for being ‘not authorized.’
On Sunday, Nov. 2, Itsaragrisil launched a social media campaign where the Top 10 candidates with the most likes on their solo portraits will have a ‘special dinner and talk show’ with him. The portraits are found on the official Facebook and Instagram accounts of Miss Universe Thailand.
So far, the Philippines’ own Ahtisa Manalo garnered over 1.2 million likes on Facebook and 142,000 likes on Instagram.
However, the MUO issued a statement declaring the event as ‘not authorized,’ with a seeming warning against committing a violation of its intellectual property rights.
‘The organization wishes to make it absolutely clear that this activity is not authorized. Any independent or third party activity using the Miss Universe name, logo, marks, or related branding without prior written authorization is considered a violation of intellectual property rights and brand integrity,’ it read.
Citing the campaign, the organization also reminded the public that ‘promotional materials, contests, or voting initiatives’ using the MUO’s name are ‘unauthorized and misleading.’
‘The organization further declares that any promotional materials, contests, or voting initiatives currently circulating online under the Miss Universe name, including those associated with the aforementioned event, are unauthorized and misleading. Such initiatives do not represent the values, operations, or official activities of the Miss Universe organization,’ it said.
The MUO further stated that it has the right to ‘take appropriation action’ against those who would use its name, intellectual property, and trademark without its consent.
The organization also reminded the public that ‘official communications, announcements, and voting initiatives’ will be released through its verified platforms.
‘As the global authority of the Miss Universe brand, MUO will continue to uphold the highest standards of transparency, professionalism, and integrity in every country where it operates. The organization reaffirms its ongoing commitment to protecting its delegates, partners, sponsors, and the global public from misleading or unauthorized activities,’ it said.
Itsaragrisil has yet to respond to the MUO, as of this writing.
The Miss Universe Organization is under new management following the appointment of its new chief executive officer, Mario Bucaro, replacing Thai business mogul Anne Jakrajutatip who held the position since 2022.
Jakrajutatip, through her company JKN Global Group, stepped down from her post in June after a board ‘restructuring,’ leaving behind her co-owner Legacy Holdings Group of Raul Rocha, pageant president, as a minority shareholder.
Itsaragrisil has a stake in Jakrajutatip’s company. His own company, Miss Grand International, also acquired the franchise to stage the Miss Universe Thailand pageant until 2029.
Activities for Miss Universe 2025 kicked off with a registration ceremony at the Chatrium Hotel Riverside in Bangkok, Thailand. Candidates are welcomed by Itsaragrisil, reigning titleholder Victoria Theilvig, Miss Grand International 2025 Emma Tiglao, and other executives.
The coronation ceremony will take place at the Impact Challenger Hall on Nov. 21. Representing the Philippines is pageant veteran Ahtisa Manalo who arrived in Bangkok on Sunday.