Miss Universe, Raul Rocha deny Chavit Singson's claims of change in ownership
The Miss Universe Organization has denied claims that ownership of the pageant has changed, refuting recent statements made by ex-Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson that it is now up for possible acquisition.
The organization's president, Raul Rocha, had issued a seething statement against a "delusional fool and his daughter" for spreading the false statements.
"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. Keep dreaming, my lawyers will put an end to your fairy tales," he wrote in an Instagram story.
While Rocha didn't include any names, social media users were quick to infer that the statement was directed at Singson and his congresswoman daughter, Richelle, after the former governor made a Facebook post claiming that Rocha and Anne Jakrajutatip are no longer the owners of the pageant.
"Had a good chat with my daughter, Congresswoman Richelle Singson and Shawn McClain, former Miss Universe Vice President. He updated us with possible acquisition talks on Miss Universe Organization," Singson wrote.
"For everyone’s information: MUO is not owned anymore by Anne Jakrajutatip or Raul Rocha Cantú. In fact, they both have arrest warrants against them! Thank you Shawn for visiting us! We look forward to having discussions with the rightful owners, the creditors they defrauded," he added.
Miss Universe Organization also made a formal statement on its official social media pages reaffirming its "ownership, leadership, and long-term vision."
"These statements have been made seeking to misrepresent ownership, falsely suggest acquisition or purchasing opportunities, and create confusion," it stated.
"Such actions appear designed to deceive the public, improperly solicit investments, and exploit the Miss Universe brand for personal benefit, visibility, or advantage."
It stressed that the MUO "remains under its current ownership and leadership" and that they are now "actively reviewing these matters with its legal advisors and will take all appropriate and necessary steps to address and prevent further false, misleading, or unauthorized actions or statements."
"The organization remains committed to protecting its integrity, its partners, and the public from deception or misuse of its name, brand, and reputation," they said.
The MUO implored the public to rely solely on its official channels for accurate and verified information, noting that updates regarding the organization, including matters related to leadership and structure, are published exclusively on the official website.
Singson has yet to respond to both Rocha's Instagram story and the organization's official statement.
Both Rocha and Jakrajutatip are currently facing legal issues, with Mexico investigating Rocha in relation to alleged drugs and arms trafficking, as well as fuel theft, while Jakrajutatip has been sentenced to two years of imprisonment after a court in Thailand found her guilty of fraud involving a 30 million baht (PP56.7 million).