Miss Universe Instagram Gone, Ownership in Doubt After Arrest Warrants Issued

The official Miss Universe Instagram account with over 7 million followers is gone. This comes as key figures face arrest warrants and ownership claims are disputed.
By Newsroom | Beauty Pageants, Business & Finance |

The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) is currently grappling with a complex web of alleged ownership disputes, legal entrenchment, and public relations crises. The disappearance of its official Instagram account, coupled with reports of financial and legal investigations involving key figures, has cast a significant shadow over the esteemed beauty pageant.

Is Miss Universe in Crisis? Official Instagram Account Gone, Alleged Ownership Change, and More; What We Know So Far - 1

Unraveling the Threads of Controversy

Recent events have brought the Miss Universe Organization into the spotlight for reasons beyond its typical pageantry. The situation is marked by conflicting claims regarding ownership, a vanished social media presence, and ongoing legal scrutiny of individuals central to the organization.

Is Miss Universe in Crisis? Official Instagram Account Gone, Alleged Ownership Change, and More; What We Know So Far - 2

  • Timeline of Events:

  • Late February 2026: The official Miss Universe Instagram account, with over 7 million followers, disappeared without explanation from the Miss Universe Organization (MUO).

  • November 2025: Reports surfaced of alleged backdated share transfers concerning Miss Universe, with JKN's creditors accusing CEO Anne Jakrajutatip of selling 50% of the organization to Raúl Rocha Cantú's Legacy Holding Group without proper approval.

  • November 2025: The Miss Universe Instagram page disabled comments due to intense backlash and increasingly toxic engagement following the announcement of the winner.

  • November 2025: A court in Thailand issued an arrest warrant for Thai co-owner Anne Jakrajutatip in connection with a fraud case after she failed to appear in court.

  • November 2025: A federal judge in Mexico reportedly issued 13 arrest warrants for individuals connected to Raúl Rocha Cantú, including him, amid an investigation into alleged organized crime involvement.

  • January 2026: Filipino businessman Luis 'Chavit' Singson and his daughter Richelle Singson-Michael publicly stated they were in discussions with former MUO executives about acquiring the organization, asserting that Rocha and Jakrajutatip no longer owned the MUO.

  • January 2026: Puerto Rico halted tourism funding for the upcoming 75th Miss Universe pageant.

Evidence of Disruption

The public-facing manifestations of the MUO's troubles are stark. The abrupt disappearance of its primary social media channel and the explicit statements from involved parties paint a picture of significant internal and external pressures.

Is Miss Universe in Crisis? Official Instagram Account Gone, Alleged Ownership Change, and More; What We Know So Far - 3

  • Social Media Silence: The official Miss Universe Instagram account, a crucial channel for communication and engagement, is no longer accessible. This absence occurred in late February 2026.

  • Ownership Disputes:

  • Filipino businessman Luis 'Chavit' Singson claims to be in discussions to acquire the MUO, stating that current figures "no longer own the MUO" and alleging arrest warrants against them. He met with former MUO Vice President Shawn McClain regarding this potential acquisition.

  • Conversely, Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú remains active on social media, seemingly in a position of ownership, and his lawyer has not responded to specific inquiries from CNN.

  • Legal Entanglements:

  • JKN's creditors have accused CEO Anne Jakrajutatip of potentially illicit share transfers related to Miss Universe.

  • A Thai court issued an arrest warrant for Jakrajutatip in connection with a fraud case, deeming her a flight risk.

  • Reports indicate a federal judge in Mexico issued arrest warrants for individuals, including Raúl Rocha Cantú, connected to an investigation into alleged organized crime, with the probe focusing on fuel theft, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling.

  • Financial Strain: Puerto Rico, slated to host the 75th Miss Universe pageant, has suspended tourism funding for the event.

Public Backlash and Internal Pressure

The recent Miss Universe pageant faced significant public criticism, leading to heightened online animosity and contributing to the organization's present challenges.

Read More: UK Government Records Highest Ever January Budget Surplus Due to More Tax Money

Is Miss Universe in Crisis? Official Instagram Account Gone, Alleged Ownership Change, and More; What We Know So Far - 4

  • Accusations of Irregularities: Following the announcement of the winner, critics accused the MUO of attempting to "repair its image" rather than selecting a winner based on merit, fueling widespread accusations of rigged outcomes and procedural irregularities.

  • Intense Online Toxicity: The controversy escalated to a point where the Miss Universe Instagram page disabled comments due to "intense backlash, spiraling accusations, and increasingly toxic engagement."

  • Winner's Experience: Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios reported receiving insults and even death wishes, highlighting the severe personal toll of the online vitriol. Despite this, Palacios affirmed her resilience.

Multiple legal actions and investigations are reportedly underway, involving individuals key to the Miss Universe Organization's current operational structure.

  • Thai Proceedings: Anne Jakrajutatip, a co-owner, is subject to an arrest warrant issued by a court in Thailand due to alleged fraud and failure to appear in court, which the court interpreted as a sign of being a flight risk.

  • Mexican Investigation: Raúl Rocha Cantú, another figure reportedly linked to ownership, is reportedly under investigation in Mexico for alleged involvement in organized crime. This has led to the issuance of multiple arrest warrants.

  • Creditor Concerns: Creditors of JKN, the parent company previously associated with Miss Universe, have raised concerns about the "questionable, possibly backdated share transfer" of the Miss Universe company, urging for investigation and prosecution if found illegal.

Competing Ownership Claims

The MUO finds itself at the center of competing assertions of ownership, with different parties publicly declaring their stake or interest.

  • Singson's Bid: Luis 'Chavit' Singson and his daughter Richelle Singson-Michael have stated they are in discussions with former MUO executives regarding an acquisition. Singson explicitly stated that "Rocha and Jakrajutatip no longer own the MUO" and indicated the existence of arrest warrants against them.

  • Rocha's Position: Raúl Rocha Cantú remains visible on social media, sharing content related to Miss Universe. His legal representative has not commented on specific allegations when approached by media. The assertion of ownership by Singson is made in the context of Rocha's ongoing involvement.

Expert Perspectives

The current situation has drawn comment from those observing the pageant industry and corporate dealings.

"The allegations of financial impropriety and legal entanglements are deeply concerning for any global organization, let alone one with the stature of Miss Universe. The simultaneous disappearance of their social media presence only exacerbates the perception of instability." – Anonymous industry observer, via social media forum.

"When an organization faces such public scrutiny over its integrity and then finds its key figures subject to legal warrants, it inevitably raises serious questions about its governance and the validity of its operations. The focus on alleged illegal activities is particularly damaging." – Financial analyst, commented on current events.

Conclusions and Ongoing Questions

The Miss Universe Organization is navigating a period of profound uncertainty, characterized by:

  • Unclear Ownership: The conflicting claims between parties like the Singsons and figures associated with Rocha Cantú create a fundamental ambiguity about who legally controls the organization.

  • Legal Jeopardy: The arrest warrants and fraud investigations targeting key individuals suggest significant legal obstacles that could impede or invalidate current operations and ownership structures.

  • Reputational Damage: The public backlash, the disappearance of the Instagram account, and the nature of the legal allegations have collectively tarnished the organization's public image.

  • Operational Disruption: The suspension of funding for the upcoming pageant by Puerto Rico indicates that the turmoil is having tangible effects on planned events.

Key questions remain unanswered:

  • What is the definitive legal status of the Miss Universe Organization's ownership?

  • What was the cause for the disappearance of the official Instagram account, and will it be reinstated?

  • How will the ongoing legal investigations and potential judicial outcomes in Thailand and Mexico impact the MUO's future operations and assets?

  • Will the halt in tourism funding by Puerto Rico affect the hosting of the 75th Miss Universe pageant?

The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining the trajectory of the Miss Universe Organization as these complex issues continue to unfold.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Miss Universe Instagram account disappear in February 2026?
The official Miss Universe Instagram account, with over 7 million followers, disappeared without explanation in late February 2026. The reason for its disappearance is not yet clear.
Q: What are the main ownership disputes affecting the Miss Universe Organization?
There are conflicting claims over ownership. Filipino businessman Luis 'Chavit' Singson claims he is in talks to buy the organization and states that Anne Jakrajutatip and Raúl Rocha Cantú no longer own it. However, Rocha Cantú remains active on social media related to Miss Universe.
Q: Why were arrest warrants issued for Anne Jakrajutatip and Raúl Rocha Cantú?
A court in Thailand issued an arrest warrant for Anne Jakrajutatip in connection with a fraud case, as she did not appear in court. Reports also indicate a federal judge in Mexico issued arrest warrants for individuals, including Raúl Rocha Cantú, linked to an organized crime investigation.
Q: How have these issues affected the upcoming Miss Universe pageant?
Puerto Rico, which was set to host the 75th Miss Universe pageant, has stopped its tourism funding for the event. This indicates a significant operational disruption due to the ongoing turmoil.
Q: What was the public reaction to the Miss Universe pageant winner announcement in November 2025?
Following the winner announcement in November 2025, the Miss Universe Instagram page disabled comments due to intense backlash and accusations of rigged outcomes. The winner, Sheynnis Palacios, reported receiving insults and death wishes.