Thai transgender businesswoman buys Miss Universe pageant for US$20 million
- Jakapong ‘Anne’ Jakrajutatip, the CEO and biggest shareholder of JKN Global Group, is a media tycoon and transgender rights advocate
- The acquisition, with its content, licensing and merchandising opportunities, is ‘a strong, strategic addition to our portfolio’, she said
A Thai celebrity media tycoon, transgender rights advocate and new owner of the Miss Universe beauty pageant wants to use the event to inspire women like her and boost tourism.
Jakapong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, CEO and biggest shareholder of JKN Global Group Pcl (JKN), is a celebrity in Thailand, starring in local versions of reality shows Project Runway and Shark Tank.
She bought the Miss Universe Organisation on Wednesday for US$20 million, marking the first time the beauty pageant organiser has been owned by a woman, her company said.
The acquisition fits into JKN’s ecosystem and gives her a platform to inspire others, she told Reuters.
“It’s a universal platform... I can become the aspiration for so many people, in particular women, LGBTQ, so they can transform,” she said in English.
Jakapong has been outspoken about her experience as a transgender woman and also set up the Life Inspired For Thailand Foundation to advocate for the rights to dignity and opportunities for transgender people.
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She has also spoken out about her struggles with bullying and sexual harassment growing up.
