CNN
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A Thai media multi-millionaire and transgender rights recommend has purchased the Miss Universe Organization for $20 million, in line with her corporate, which can now host the world good looks competition.
Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip is the CEO of JKN Global Group PCL, a Thailand-based media distribution corporate, regardless that she’s in all probability higher identified for her function in Thai variations of truth displays together with “Project Runway.”
She has additionally been outspoken about her reviews as a transgender lady, and has labored in advocacy for transgender rights in Thailand.
JKN Global Group introduced the takeover on Wednesday, pronouncing in a information free up it deliberate to develop the Miss Universe Organization via increasing in Asia – and liberating new products together with skincare, cosmetics, way of life merchandise, nutritional dietary supplements and beverages.
Jakkaphong mentioned the corporate used to be “incredibly honored” to make the purchase.
“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,” she mentioned.
In a joint remark, the CEO and president of the Miss Universe Organization mentioned they have been “excited to continue the evolution of the Miss Universe Organization with JKN.”
“Our progressive approach continues to position us at the forefront of our industry,” they mentioned.
The acquire makes Jakkaphong the primary lady proprietor of the Miss Universe Organization, in line with the JKN information free up.
The Miss Universe good looks contest, one of the vital global’s most-watched pageants, has been working since 1952.
Like many different main pageants, it has needed to reckon with rising public call for for better variety, illustration and inclusivity during the last decade. It most effective lifted its ban on transgender contestants in 2012, after a Canadian competitor threatened criminal motion when advised she could be disqualified because of her assigned intercourse at start.
And regardless that some critics argue the idea of a good looks competition is inherently improper, others say there was important development lately.
Beauty pageants for transgender contestants have risen in prominence, maximum particularly Miss International Queen, introduced in 2004 and held this yr in Thailand. Some nations have introduced their very own variations; in 2017, India held its first-ever Miss Transqueen India competition, which goals to rejoice gender fluidity and lift visibility for India’s transgender neighborhood.
And in 2019, the winners of 5 main pageants – Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss America, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA – have been all girls of colour, a exceptional milestone given black girls weren’t allowed to compete in Miss America till the Forties, and the primary black contestant didn’t take that level till 30 years later.
