Umalma si Paula Shugart sa mga tirada ni Anne Jakrajutatip na talamak umano ang corruption noong si Paula pa ang nakaupo bilang presidente ng Miss Universe Organization.
Read: Pageant veterans, agaw-atensiyon sa Miss Universe Philippines 2024 candidate presentation
Ngayong Lunes, February 19, 2024 (Philippine Time), naglabas ng official statement si Paula sa kanyang Instagram account.
Ani Paula, nakarating sa kanya ang alegasyong tumatanggap siya ng "under the table money" para masiguro ang placement ng isang kandidata sa Miss Universe competition.
Wala raw katotohanan iyon.
Labindalawang taong nanungkulan si Paula bilang presidente ng Miss Universe organization.
Bumitiw siya sa puwesto matapos ang Miss Universe 2023 coronation night sa El Salvador noong November 2023.
Sabi ni Paula: "Since announcing my resignation in November of 2023, I have sought to stay out of the spotlight, electing not to comment on any of the changes within the Miss Universe Organization, seeking only to quietly help the brand and its stakeholders, when requested, with my historical knowledge and guidance.
"However, recent false and outrageous comments made by Miss Universe owner Anne Jakrajutatip impugning my character have compelled me to break my silence.
"Normally, I would choose to ignore such assertions but, by suggesting that I am corrupt and took money 'under the table' to secure placements in Miss Universe competitions, Jakrajutatip not only defames me, but she also discredits the women who have won the Miss Universe crown by implying their titles were 'bought' and not earned by merit.
"I cannot abide by such dangerous and reckless assertions, which degrade the Miss Universe brand and its Titleholders."
Ayon pa kay Paula, pinag-iisipan niyang sampahan ng reklamong paninirang-puri si Anne sa Thailand.
Suwabeng binanggit din ni Paula ang hinaharap na legal issues ni Anne.
"I am presently considering my legal options in Thailand and what actions I might take.
"However, given that my complaint will be just one of many legal actions currently facing the owner of JKN, it is imperative for the Miss Universe brand and its legacy that I immediately speak the truth and condemn these words before taking any action in Thai courts and I am reserving all rights to claim for damages."
Diin pa ni Paula, "I have no intention or need to engage in drama on social media and I will not do so.
"Anyone who knows me knows the truth and what I stand for. I will let my years of work with some truly incredible women speak for itself."
Si Anne, na isang Thai billionaire, ang nakabili ng Miss Universe Organization mula noong 2022.
Read: Thai billionaire Anne Jakrajutatip bagong may-ari ng Miss Universe
Noong Nobyembre 2023, naiulat na nagsampa ang Total Communication Social Media Group Co ng reklamong embezzlement laban kay Anne. Sinasabing US$28.3 million ang danyos na hinihingi ng TSG kay Anne.
Read: Anne Jakrajutatip nahaharap sa panibagong US$28.3M embezzlement case
Noong buwan din ng Nobyembre, inihayag ni Anne ang financial situation ng kanyang kumpanya at ang pagsailalim nito sa "debt rehabilitation" program.
Read: Miss Universe owner Anne Jakrajutatip calls out reports saying she filed for "bankruptcy."