# Miss Universe franchise dispute in Southeast Asia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/miss-universe-franchise-dispute-in-southeast-asia
> Updated: 2026-09-22T00:00:04.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 3.

A legal and administrative dispute has emerged within the Miss Universe Organization involving the eligibility of delegates from six Southeast Asian nations: Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, and Singapore.

JKN Universe LLC, a co-owner of the brand, has declared these delegates ineligible for the 75th anniversary competition in Puerto Rico. The company asserts that the franchise and licensing agreements issued by Miss Universe Eastern Pte. Ltd. are “illegitimate” and unauthorized. Specifically, JKN Universe LLC has rejected contracts, such as Thailand’s agreement intended to cover the 2025 to 2029 seasons, claiming the Eastern division lacked the authority to grant such licenses.

The conflict involves a power struggle between the organization’s Western and Eastern divisions. JKN Universe LLC has also accused Thai businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil of “reputational aggression” regarding the dissemination of false financial information. 

In response, Miss Universe Eastern (MU East) has rejected the disqualifications, maintaining that the franchise agreements remain valid. MU East asserts that it operates under a 50:50 ownership structure and that JKN Universe did not approve the declaration of ineligibility. MU East maintains that its Hemisphere Agreement grants it exclusive rights to operate and develop the brand across its territory, meaning the delegates should retain their right to compete. Legal action in the United States may be pursued if the impasse continues.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-22: Miss Universe franchise dispute threatens six Southeast Asian nations

Singapore and five other Southeast Asian nations may be barred from Miss Universe 2026 following a legal dispute between JKN Universe and Miss Universe Eastern over franchise licensing authority.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miss-universe-franchise-dispute-threatens-six-southeast-asian-nations

### 2026-09-19: JKN Universe bars Southeast Asian Miss Universe delegates

JKN Universe LLC has barred delegates from Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, and Singapore from the 2026 Miss Universe pageant, citing invalid franchise agreements.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jkn-universe-bars-southeast-asian-miss-universe-delegates

### 2026-09-17: Miss Universe disqualifies six Asian countries amid internal dispute

Miss Universe has disqualified representatives from six Southeast Asian countries due to a legal dispute over franchise rights involving Thai businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil and internal ownership conflicts.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miss-universe-disqualifies-six-asian-franchises-amid-contract-dispute

---
Cite as: Miss Universe franchise dispute in Southeast Asia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/miss-universe-franchise-dispute-in-southeast-asia