Transgender millionaire replaces Miss Universe contest

The company said in a statement that Ann Jakapong Jakrajutatip, a transgender Thai businesswoman, had bought the Miss Universe Company, formerly owned by Donald Trump, for $20 million.

Thai TV star and LGBTQ+ rights advocate, “Anne JKN” is the first woman to lead the popular beauty pageant.

She runs media group JKN Global and is known in her country for hosting the Thai version of Project Runway, a reality fashion show.

His fortune is estimated at $170 million, according to Forbes.

She hopes that this acquisition of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) will boost Thailand’s image abroad.

“I hope it will serve Thailand’s influence and attract more tourists to our country,” she told reporters in Bangkok.

She added that it is a “strong and strategic addition” to her company’s portfolio.

It took a year to finalize negotiations with the previous owner IMG, a subsidiary of American entertainment giant Endeavor.

In a Facebook post, she thanked contest fans for their love and support.

«Nous cherchons non seulement à perpétuer l’héritage du concours en offrant une plateforme à des personnes passionnées issues de divers milieux, cultures et traditions, mais aussi à faire évoluer la marque pour la prochaine génération», la affme dédrés’ statement.

Amy Emmerich and Paula Shugart, CEO and President of MUO, respectively, will remain.

The competition has been going on for 71 years and the next edition will take place in New Orleans, USA, next January.

The competition is broadcast in 165 countries.

JKN Global Group holds the rights to distribute foreign documentaries, TV series and reality TV shows in Thailand.

IMG has owned the contest organization since 2015 after buying it from businessman and former US President Donald Trump, who had owned it since 1996.