Trans media tycoon from Thailand buys Miss Universe pageant for $20 mn
This is the first time the beauty pageant organiser will be owned by a woman.
By Reuters | Updated:
Agencies
A Thai celebrity media tycoon and transgender rights advocate has bought the Miss Universe Organization for $20 million, marking the first time the beauty pageant organiser will be owned by a woman, her company said on Wednesday.
Jakapong 'Anne' Jakrajutatip, CEO and biggest shareholder of JKN Global Group Pcl (JKN), is a celebrity in Thailand, starring in local versions of reality shows 'Project Runway' and 'Shark Tank'.
She has been outspoken about her experience as a transgender woman and also set up the Life Inspired For Thailand Foundation to advocate for the rights to dignity and opportunities for transgender people.
Jakrajutatip was exhilarated with the new acquisition and described it as a "a strong, strategic addition to our portfolio,". She also revealed that she hoped that Miss Universe goes on to capture more markets in Asia. "We are incredibly honored to be acquiring The Miss Universe Organization and working with its visionary leadership team. The global reach of the Organization, its relationships with global partners and brands, and its wealth of content, licensing, and merchandising opportunities make this a strong, strategic addition to our portfolio. We seek not only to continue its legacy of providing a platform to passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and traditions, but also to evolve the brand for the next generation," the entrepreneur was quoted as saying to the English daily.
The trans-rights advocate also took to Instagram to share the news of her latest acquisition with her followers. "Yes, I own it all, I am the sole owner, and finally, the universe is ours," reads her post.
JKN produces its own shows and distributes content in Thailand from abroad including documentaries and Bollywood dramas. Its shares jumped nearly 10% in early trade on Wednesday.
The annual beauty contest run by the Miss Universe Organisation, which was co-owned by Donald Trump between 1996 and 2002, is broadcast in 165 countries and has been running for 71 years.
Jakapong 'Anne' Jakrajutatip, CEO and biggest shareholder of JKN Global Group Pcl (JKN), is a celebrity in Thailand, starring in local versions of reality shows 'Project Runway' and 'Shark Tank'.
She has been outspoken about her experience as a transgender woman and also set up the Life Inspired For Thailand Foundation to advocate for the rights to dignity and opportunities for transgender people.
Jakrajutatip was exhilarated with the new acquisition and described it as a "a strong, strategic addition to our portfolio,". She also revealed that she hoped that Miss Universe goes on to capture more markets in Asia. "We are incredibly honored to be acquiring The Miss Universe Organization and working with its visionary leadership team. The global reach of the Organization, its relationships with global partners and brands, and its wealth of content, licensing, and merchandising opportunities make this a strong, strategic addition to our portfolio. We seek not only to continue its legacy of providing a platform to passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and traditions, but also to evolve the brand for the next generation," the entrepreneur was quoted as saying to the English daily.
The trans-rights advocate also took to Instagram to share the news of her latest acquisition with her followers. "Yes, I own it all, I am the sole owner, and finally, the universe is ours," reads her post.
JKN produces its own shows and distributes content in Thailand from abroad including documentaries and Bollywood dramas. Its shares jumped nearly 10% in early trade on Wednesday.
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The annual beauty contest run by the Miss Universe Organisation, which was co-owned by Donald Trump between 1996 and 2002, is broadcast in 165 countries and has been running for 71 years.
India’s first transgender music band, 6 Pack Band, kick-started the event with an enthralling performance.
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