It’s unclear what the winner of the Miss Universe pageant receives, but it’s rumored to include a six-figure salary, a free apartment and travel, and numerous other perks.
The Miss Universe Organization was just bought by Thai entrepreneur Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip for $20m.
Previously, it was co-owned by Donald Trump, who sold it to events marketing company IMG Worldwide in 2015.
… is a transgender activist, TV personality, and CEO of JKN Global Group Public Co. Ltd., a multinational conglomerate headquartered in Thailand with businesses across health and beauty, entertainment, advertising, and other sectors, per NPR.
Jakrajutatip said the acquisition was “a strong, strategic addition to our portfolio” that JKN will use to promote its many consumer products.
While US viewership has been in decline, Miss Universe still nabs ~500m viewers across 190+ countries annually, per Reuters.
The Miss Universe Organization, which advertises itself as a “global, inclusive” organization where participants can affect positive change, may play to Jakrajutatip’s advocacy goals.
In 2018, it saw its first transgender contestant, Angela Ponce from Spain.
Fun fact: During her reign, Miss Universe gets to wear a $5m crown with 1.7k+ diamonds.