A Thai court has issued an arrest warrant for media mogul Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, co-owner of the Miss Universe pageant, following allegations that she committed fraud involving 30 million baht (approximately $930,000), an official confirmed to AFP on Wednesday.
The latest development comes just days after the conclusion of this year’s Miss Universe competition, which had already been overshadowed by multiple controversies, including a host’s on-air outburst and complaints of sexism.
Jakapong, whose company JKN Global Group co-owns the international pageant, is now facing fresh scrutiny.
According to the South Bangkok Civil Court, the warrant was issued on Tuesday after a plastic surgeon accused her of deceiving him and concealing critical financial information while convincing him to invest in JKN in 2023.
“The defendant invited (the plaintiff) to invest knowing her inability to return the money within the appointed time,” the court said in a statement released to AFP.
A verdict in the case had been set for Tuesday, but Jakapong did not appear. The court said her absence “could be interpreted as fleeing,” prompting authorities to issue the warrant.
The ruling has now been postponed to December 26. Meanwhile, local media outlets have reported that she may have traveled to Mexico amid speculation that she is facing deepening financial troubles.
The Miss Universe Organization, seeking to distance itself from the unfolding legal battle, noted earlier this year that “these legal proceedings are entirely separate” from its activities.
This year’s pageant, held in Bangkok and concluding on Friday, was marked by dramatic scenes. A livestreamed confrontation erupted between a male host and eventual winner Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch.
The host publicly criticized her for not posting promotional material and allegedly called her “dumb,” triggering a walk-out led by Bosch.
He later apologized during an emotional press conference, but his remarks drew the attention of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who commended Bosch for standing up for herself.
Miss Universe was once owned by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Jakapong’s JKN Global Group acquired it in 2022 for $20 million before selling half its stake to Legacy Holding Group USA for $16 million.
In 2024, the Stock Exchange of Thailand removed JKN from its listings after the firm failed to file required financial statements and was found to have falsified them.
