Overview
- JKN Global Group, the Thai media company that owns the Miss Universe pageant, has filed for bankruptcy just a year after purchasing the brand for $20 million. The company missed a $12 million bond repayment deadline.
- Despite the financial struggles, JKN assures that the Miss Universe event will proceed as planned. This year's pageant will feature two trans women for the first time, marking a significant step towards inclusivity.
- The company's CEO, Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, a transgender woman, aimed to expand JKN’s broadcasting rights business and ensure fairness in the contest judging. She also encouraged mothers and married women to participate for the first time.
- JKN plans to resolve its liquidity problem by restructuring its debt. The company's share price has fallen by more than 80% in the last year.
- The Miss Universe pageant, which is broadcast in 165 countries, has a history spanning seven decades. The pageant was previously co-owned by Donald Trump, who sold it in 2015 after facing criticism for his comments about illegal immigrants.