JKN Universe says Vietnam, 5 SE Asian reps ineligible for Miss Universe 2026

The statement was posted on the Miss Universe Instagram account on Friday, amid a dispute between JKN Universe and Miss Universe Eastern Pte. Ltd. over the use of the Miss Universe brand and franchise agreements in several countries.

According to JKN Universe, Miss Universe Eastern is not an authorized licensee or operator of the Miss Universe brand in any country or territory and has no authority to issue, transfer or grant licenses related to the brand.

JKN Universe said franchise agreements signed through Nawat Itsaragrisil, CEO of Miss Universe Eastern, did not have a valid licensing basis from the holder of the Miss Universe brand rights.

The agreements mentioned by JKN Universe cover Miss Universe Thailand for 2025-29 and the 2026 editions of Miss Universe Indonesia, Miss Universe Vietnam, Miss Universe Laos, Miss Universe Malaysia and Miss Universe Singapore.

JKN Universe said representatives from the six countries therefore do not qualify to compete in the 75th Miss Universe pageant in 2026 because the franchise agreements are considered invalid by the company.

The announcement comes as the six countries have held activities to select and prepare their representatives for this year's competition.

JKN Universe also addressed recent statements by Nawat concerning the financial situation of the Miss Universe organization.

According to JKN Universe, information Nawat has posted on social media has not been verified, with the company saying some of the content is inaccurate or misleading.

The company said Nawat has no access to or authority over authentic or verified financial data of the organization.

JKN Universe said it reserves the right to pursue civil and criminal legal action against individuals it believes have intentionally or negligently disseminated false or misleading information or harmed the reputation of the Miss Universe brand.

The company further stated that any agreements signed by Miss Universe Eastern or entities operating under it without valid authorization from JKN Universe would not be recognized.

JKN Universe also said it reserves its intellectual property rights and legal remedies concerning the use of the Miss Universe brand, including seeking an end to alleged violations, compensation for damages and other remedies under the law.

In Vietnam, Miss Universe Vietnam 2026 has just closed registration and begun announcing contestants in its top 30, with several former beauty queens and runners-up among the entrants.

The national pageant's final round is scheduled from September 20 to October 2, with the final night expected to take place in Hai Phong on October 2.

Meanwhile, the Miss Universe Organization said the 75th Miss Universe pageant will be held in Puerto Rico in November.