Paula Shugart mulls legal action against Miss Universe owner Anne Jakrajutatip

Paula Shugart took to social media to address alleged accusations made against her by Miss Universe owner Anne Jakrajutatip.

On Instagram, the former Miss Universe president said she tried to stay out of the spotlight since she stepped down from the beauty pageant organization in November last year. 

But Shugart felt compelled to address the “false and outrageous comments” allegedly being said against her by Jakrajutatip.

In her statement, Shugart said she was being accused of taking 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,” she said.

“I cannot abide by such dangerous and reckless assertions, which degrade the Miss Universe brand and its Titleholders,” she added.

Shugart said she’s currently considering taking legal action against the Thai mogul, adding that her 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,” she said.

“And I am reserving all rights to claim for damages,” she added. 

Shugart ended her post by saying it was not her intention “to engage in drama on social media.”

“Anyone who knows me knows the truth and what I stand for,” she said.

“I will let my years of work with some truly incredible women speak for itself,” she added.

At the Miss Universe coronation event last November 2023, Shugart stepped down as Miss Universe president, a position she has held for 25 years.

News of Miss Universe being bought by the Thai mogul Jakrajutatip surfaced in October 2022. 

In November 2023, Jakrajutatip issued a statement after she reportedly filed for debt rescue before Thailand's Central Bankruptcy Court amid the fall in the company's shares.

"Miss Universe Organization, which is only one of our many business lines, is completely clean and will continue to operate as planned. We look forward to three fantastic broadcasts next week," she said ahead of the coronation event.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Paula Shugart (@realpaulashugart)

— Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News