From the owner of the group handling the competition to the candidate’s handler to the place where it was held, it appears that this year’s Miss Universe contest was designed for Miss USA to win. Rigged?
Anne Jakrajutatip, chief of JKN Global Group, which owns both Miss Universe and Miss USA – is being suspected of rigging the competition.
For one, the competition was held in New Orleans, airing on Roku. Several observers were all of the opinion that there is a “play” going on to make sure that R’Bonney Gabriel gets the crown, which she did. The first runner-up was Miss Venezuela, Amanda Dudamel.
Dudamel was impressive throughout the contest. She gave out sincere responses to most of the questions. Her wardrobe was less scoffed at compared to the ones Gabriel wore, particularly in the national costume category.
Rigged Pageant
Many have pointed to the obvious “conflict of interest” from Jakrajutatip’s group. Her firm purchased the Miss Universe franchise this past fall for purportedly $20 million, and with it came the rights to Miss USA, which falls under the same umbrella.
Even prior to the actual pageant, there were already doubts and questions as to how Gabriel came to be Miss USA in the first place. The hullaballoo came about dating back to October when JKN Global came on board as the new decision maker. Some have claimed that there was favoritism stirring in that competition as well and the rumored suspensions in the higher echelon as a result of investigations that have been conducted.
Another controversial point being made was the fact that Jakrajutatip is transgender – an attention-grabber when she delivered an authoritative speech saying that the Miss Universe is now owned by women, for women.
Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip
Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, also known as Anne JKN, is one of the wealthiest individuals in Thailand with an estimated net worth of 170 million dollars, according to Forbes magazine.
From being a gas station worker, she is now the third richest transgender person in the world.
With the striking, model-like appearance and a six million follower count on her Instagram page, the 43-year-old has been making waves recently in the business world. Jakrajutatip has appeared in local versions of Project Runway and Shark Tank in her home country, as reported by NBC.
She’s also known for supporting trans awareness in Thailand by setting up the Life Inspired for Transsexual Foundation (LIFT), which advocates for the promotion of transgender rights.
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