Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, a trans Thai businesswoman, bought the company that organizes the Miss Universe beauty pageant, which once belonged to Donald Trump, for US$20 million. A prominent figure on local television and defender of LGBTQIA+ rights, Anne is the first woman to take over as director of the popular beauty contest.
Anne runs the media group JKN Global and is known in her country for hosting the Thai version of the reality show “Project Runway”. Her fortune is estimated at $170 million, according to Forbes. It is a “strong and strategic addition” to the company’s portfolio, the businesswoman told the press.
Purchase negotiations with the pageant's former owner, IMG, a subsidiary of American entertainment giant Endeavor, took a year.
In a Facebook message, she thanked pageant fans for their love and support.
“We hope to not only continue the legacy of the pageant by providing a platform for passionate people from diverse backgrounds, cultures and traditions, but also evolve the brand for the next generation,” said “Anne JKN” in a statement.
The competition has existed for 71 years and the next edition will take place in New Orleans, United States, in January. It is broadcast in 165 countries.
IMG had owned the pageant since 2015, after purchasing it from businessman and former US President Donald Trump.
(With AFP)
This post was last modified on October 27, 2022 11:40 pm
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