Thai Transgender Business Tycoon Buys Miss Universe Pageant For $20M
Anne Jakaphong Jakrajutatip is the CEO of JKN Global Group PCL, a media distribution firm established in Thailand.
New Delhi: Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, a transgender rights campaigner and businesswoman from Thailand, just purchased the Miss Universe Organization for $20 million. Anne Jakaphong is the CEO of JKN Global Group PCL, a media distribution firm established in Thailand.
On Wednesday, JKN Global Group, her company, announced that they will be taking over the Miss Universe pageant, and in a press release, they stated that they intend to increase the size of the Miss Universe Organization by introducing new skincare, cosmetics, lifestyle products, dietary supplements, and drinks.
She told reporters that she believed the purchase would improve Thailand's reputation overseas and stated in a statement that the purchase presented a chance to "evolve the brand."
An Instagram post by the entrepreneur was also published to announce the purchase. She captioned it, “Bring yourself into the positive Harmony of the UNIVERSE and allow the 100% good energy into your life from now on”.
View this post on Instagram
The Miss Universe pageant has become one of the most prestigious and widely seen beauty competitions on the planet. The pageant, formerly owned by Donald Trump, has been widely criticised during its 70-year existence for promoting outdated ideals of femininity. Donal Trump was a co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization from 1996 until 2015.
Furthermore, Anne is followed by 6.8 million people on social media. She has been on the Thai version of ‘Shark Tank’ and 'Project Runway', making her a well-known reality TV celebrity in Thailand.
She has also been quite vocal about her experiences as a transgender woman, and she has fought to advocate for transgender rights in Thailand.
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