Jakapong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, is now going through a tough phase facing an arrest warrant from a Thai court over a fraud case.
The Bangkok South Civil Court issued the warrant after Jakrajutatip failed to appear in court on November 25. Reports suggest she may have left Thailand and is currently in Mexico.
The case involves allegations that in 2023, Jakrajutatip asked a plastic surgeon for an investment of $930,000, whilst allegedly understanding she couldn't repay the cash because she did not attend the court hearings, the court has categorized her as a flight risk. The next hearing is scheduled for December 26.
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This legal issue gained attention after controversies surrounding the Miss Universe 2025 beauty pageant. Tensions rose when a dispute occurred between pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil and the eventual winner, Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch, have became public. In the weeks before the competition, several judges and committee contributors, along with musician Omar Harfouch and former footballer Claude Makélélé, resigned due to issues over how finalists have been selected.
Raúl Rocha, co-owner and president of the organization, also spoke about the issue. He described the current situation as a challenge for the enterprise and hinted that he might step down from his position. Rocha additionally cited that he can also sell his stake due to frustration with the ongoing controversies and public scrutiny.
The Miss Universe agency says that the legal topics involving Jakrajutatip have become independent from the pageant itself.
