A leaked video of Miss Universe co-owner Anne Jakrajutatip has ignited a heated debate about the inclusivity of transgender women, married women, and plus-size contestants in the pageant. In the video, Jakrajutatip allegedly states that these contestants "cannot win" and that their participation is solely for "communication strategy."
The Miss Universe pageant has been embroiled in controversy following the leak of a video featuring Anne Jakrajutatip, the co-owner of the organization. In the video, Jakrajutatip allegedly makes disparaging remarks about the inclusion of transgender women, married women, and plus-size contestants.
In the leaked footage, Jakrajutatip is heard stating that these contestants "cannot win" Miss Universe and that their participation is merely a "communication strategy" to promote social inclusion. The video has sparked outrage and raised questions about the organization's commitment to diversity and equality.
Jakrajutatip, who is transgender herself, has since denied the allegations, claiming that the video was edited out of context. She stated that she supports the inclusion of all women in the pageant, regardless of their background or identity.
However, the leaked video has reignited the debate about the treatment of transgender women in the beauty pageant industry. Miss Universe had its first transgender contestant, Miss Spain Ángela Ponce, in 2018, but the organization has yet to crown a transgender woman as the overall winner.
In addition to the controversy surrounding transgender women, the leaked video has also raised questions about the organization's policies regarding married women and plus-size contestants. The 2023 Miss Universe competition featured the first appearance of married women, Miss Guatemala Michelle Cohn and Miss Camila Avella, as well as the first plus-size contestant, Miss Nepal Jane Dipika Garrett.
The organization's decision to allow married women and plus-size contestants to compete has garnered mixed reactions. Some have praised the move as a positive step towards inclusivity, while others have criticized it as a departure from traditional beauty standards.
The controversy has also led to a number of high-profile resignations within the Miss Universe organization. Miss USA 2023, Noelia Voigt, and Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia Srivastava, both resigned, citing a "toxic work environment" and "poor management." Miss Colorado Arianna Lemus also resigned shortly after.
The Miss Universe organization has faced criticism for its handling of the controversy. The organization has yet to issue an official statement on the leaked video, and some have questioned whether it is taking the allegations seriously.
In a statement to USA Today, Miss Universe said that it has worked "tirelessly to promote inclusion" and that it will not be "swayed by unfounded allegations." However, the organization's response has failed to quell the growing backlash against it.
The Miss Universe controversy has highlighted the ongoing debate about diversity and inclusion in the beauty pageant industry. The organization is now facing pressure to demonstrate its commitment to equality and to address the concerns raised by the leaked video.
