MISS UNIVERSE PAGEANT HAS NEW OWNER
The pageant belonged to former US president Donald Trump for years, but now Miss Universe has a new owner.
The 70-year-old pageant now belongs to a Thai media mogul and transgender rights campaigner.
Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip is the first woman to own the pageant after she bought the firm that runs the Miss Universe pageants for $20 million.
In a statement released by her company, the JKN Global Group, Anne said that she hopes this will bring more tourists to her home country.
“I hope that this will serve as soft power for Thailand, and bring more tourists to our country.”
Anne added that she hopes to evolve the brand.
“We seek not only to continue its legacy of providing a platform to passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures and traditions but also to evolve the brand for the next generation.”
The pageant is broadcast in 165 countries and the next pageant will be held in January in the American city of New Orleans.
Image credit: NBC News