Two national directors, from Argentina and Vietnam, have parted ways with the Miss Universe organization, while franchise war for the Miss Universe licenses is ongoing.
This happened just as the national director of Cambodia announced that her country failed to acquire a license from Miss Universe Organization for this year's competition.
Thai billionaire Anne Jakrajutatip acquired the ownership of Miss Universe Organization in October 2022,
In February 2023, Anne's leadership saw changes in the organization's requirements, including the stricter process of license applications for national organizations joining the prestigious pageant.
MISS UNIVERSE CAMBODIA
On March 2, 2023, Cambodia International Models (CIM) managing director Romyr Libo-on released an official statement, citing that the Miss Universe Cambodia's franchise application has not been approved by the Miss Universe Organization.
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"We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all our partners, sponsors, patrons, supporters, fans, and candidates from being our inspiration for the past six years," the former director informed.
"CIM will continue to work on pageantry and give Cambodian women the platform where they can present their advocacy and voice out relevant causes and showcase the nation's culture, nature, and identity.
"Stay tuned for our change of production plans. Rest assured, we will continue to deliver quality shows."
MISS UNIVERSE ARGENTINA
Meanwhile, Cuban-Venezuelan pageant entrepreneur Osmel Sousa officially withdrew from his post as Miss Universe Argentina Organization's national director.
Dubbed as a 'queen maker,' Osmel was able to produce 7 winners for the Miss Universe title, 6 Miss World titleholders, 7 Miss International wnners, and 2 Miss Earth beauty queens.
Keno Manzur, who was previously a national director of Miss Universe Chile, replaced Sousa as Miss Universe Argentina's national director.
Read also: Bagong Miss Universe crown, nagkakahalaga ng $6M
MISS UNIVERSE VIETNAM
Finally, Saigon Universe Corporation's (UniCorp) chief executive officer Tran Viet Bao Hoang has also revealed that he will not be going forward as the national director for Miss Universe Vietnam JSC.
MESSAGE TO FRANCHISEES
While JKN Global Group CEO Jakapong ‘Anne’ Jakrajutatip has yet to address the most recent severance of ties from Romyr, Osmel, and Tran Viet Bao Hoang, she took to Instagram to thank current franchisees on March 3, 2023.
Anne wrote (published as is), "Congratulations to All of The National Directors around the World!!! [emoji] I can feel the Joy, Happiness and Excitement from our global announcement today.
"You guys deserve it. I’m so proud of everyone and also feel honored to do our service as the Global Women’s Empowerment Platform for you."
Read also: Miss Universe owner Anne Jakrajutatip may bagong kontrobersiyang kinasasangkutan
She then thanked the Miss Universe team in New York for accomplishing and taking care of all franchisee applications.
Her final statement read (published as is): "I like women who are fearless and not afraid of disruption.
"She must be open minded and would love to compliment instead of making the complaint during the time of Change."
Read also: MUO owner Anne Jakrajutatip, di nakaligtas sa mga pamba-bash ng netizens
ONGOING "BIDDING WARS"
Miss Universe Organization has been making headlines since word got out that the organization has been asking each country to submit its "highest bid" to become a franchisee of the pageant.
This ongoing "bidding war" and other pageant issues resulted in the departure of national organizations that used to send candidates for the prestigious Miss Universe pageant.
Among the countries who are no longer part of the pageant include Puteri Indonesia, Miss Universe Ghana Organization, Miss Universe Seychelles Organization, Miss Universe Mauritius Organization, Miss Universe Cayman Islands Organization, and Miss Universe Belize Organization.
As of today, the bidding war also saw the resignation of former national directors Romyr Libo-on, Osmel Sousa, and Tran Viet Bao Hoang.
This was despite Anne's previous clarification that Miss Universe Organization is not charging higher fees for license applications.
Her caption on February 11, 2023 read in part (published as is): "Since when MUO said that the submission is all about the highest amount of money? It’s making no sense to me and it’s not my biz integrity to do so! I respect everyone who always supports The Universe and would love to urge everyone of you to listen before having the judgement.
"I will be in Malaysia and Indonesia from this coming Friday Feb 17th onward. The organization would love to give the transparency and would certainly be delighted to answer all of your questions. Thank you with LOVE!"
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