The co-owner of Miss Universe, Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, has caused significant controversy and debate within the pageant community when discussing transgender competitors’ chances at winning Miss Universe.
From Video Store to CEO
Anne Jakrajutatip began working at her family’s video rental business before expanding into media and eventually becoming the CEO of JKN Global Media, a major content management and distribution company in Thailand.
Making Trans History
In October 2022, Anne Jakrajutatip made history by becoming the first woman and the first transgender person to own the Miss Universe Organization.
A Vocal Advocate
Jakrajutatip also founded the Life Inspired for Transsexual Foundation to support transgender individuals in Thailand and has been a vocal advocate for transgender rights.
Leaked Audio
This week, Jakrajutatip is in the headlines after news outlets received a leaked audio recording of a meeting she had with the Miss Universe Board.
Facing Disadvantages
In the leaked audio, Jakrajutatip said, “Transgender women and those from non-traditional backgrounds are allowed to participate in the pageant but may face disadvantages when it comes to winning.”
Out of Context
Once the audio was leaked, Jakrajutatip claimed her remarks were taken out of context and manipulated, and emphasized her commitment to fostering inclusivity within the pageant.
Manipulated Audio
When addressing the leaked audio, Jakrajutatip said, “My statements were unfairly manipulated and removed from their intended context.”
Miss Universe Controversies
Unfortunately for Jakrajutatip, the leaked audio was released while the organization was already struggling with other issues public issues and controversies.
Toxic Work Environment
In the last year, Miss Universe has had some noteworthy resignations from Miss USA and Miss Teen USA winners due to allegations of a toxic work environment.
Voigt’s Resignation
Miss USA 2023, Noelia Voigt, resigned from her title and blamed her departure on a toxic work environment, bullying, and harassment within the Miss USA organization.
An Eight Page Letter
Voigt detailed her experiences in an eight-page resignation letter, stating that the environment negatively impacted her mental health and well-being.
Poor Management at Best
Voigt wrote in her resignation letter, “There is a toxic work environment within the Miss USA organization that, at best, is poor management and, at worst, is bullying and harassment.”
Personal Values
Following Voigt’s resignation, Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava also resigned after claiming her personal values no longer aligned with the organization.
Resigning the Title
In an Instagram post, Srivastava said, “After months of grappling with this decision, I have made the choice to resign from the title of Miss Teen USA 2023.”
Fostering Inclusivity
Despite these setbacks, it would seem that Jakrajutatip seems to be making some progress in her efforts to foster inclusivity within the Miss Universe organization.
Diverse Beauty Standards
The Miss Universe organization is attemting to improve representation with an initiative that aims to celbrate diverse beauty standards by including models of varying sizes and races.
First Transgender Miss Maryland
This past year, Emy Dorsey also became the first transgender woman to win Miss Maryland USA, and hopes to inspire young transgender people by showcasing that they can achieve their dreams despite societal challenges.
Community Support
By winning the title, Dorsey hopes to be a positive role model for transgender youth and show them that they too have a place in the world.
A Positive Role Model
Dorsey said, “I hope to be a positive role model for transgender youth,” and, “I want to inspire trans kids to know they can achieve their dreams.”
The post Transgender Miss Universe Accused of Controversial Remarks in Leaked Audio Clip first appeared on Pulse of Pride.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jade ThaiCatwalk.
