Former Ilocos Sur governor and businessman Chavit Singson has confirmed that he is in discussions with former officials of the Miss Universe Organization regarding a possible acquisition of the Miss Universe pageant.
Speaking to select members of the entertainment media, including LionhearTV, at his residence on December 22, Singson said he has already initiated talks with longtime Miss Universe president Paula Shugart, who is expected to visit the Philippines in January 2026 for a formal meeting.
According to Singson, his interest in acquiring the international beauty pageant was fueled by the series of controversies that have plagued the organization in recent years, particularly allegations of irregularities in judging.
“Nasira sila sa Mexico, binintangan sila na parang di ano ’yung judging, so sabi ko bilhin ko na lang. Kinausap ko sina Paula (Shugart) at ang executives nila kaya pupunta sila rito next month para makipag-meeting,” Singson said.
While he admitted that he does not yet know how much the acquisition would cost, Singson said he is open to negotiations should the opportunity move forward.
He added that if the deal materializes, he wants the pageant to be handled by people who already understand its operations. This includes a possible return of Shugart to a leadership role within the organization.
“Pinatakbo niya ’yan for so many years, siya ang nagha-handle niyan,” he said, referring to Shugart’s long tenure with the pageant.
Singson also revealed that he may meet with other former MUO executives, including Shawn McClain, as part of his exploratory talks.
The Miss Universe brand has recently been embroiled in controversy following the coronation of Mexico’s Fatima Bosch as Miss Universe 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. Allegations of pre-selected finalists surfaced ahead of the coronation night, prompting one judge to resign and publicly question the integrity of the competition.
The Philippine bet, Ahtisa Manalo, finished as third runner-up.
Additional issues surrounded the pageant, including tensions involving Thai pageant director Nawat Itsaragrisil and disputes involving the pageant’s international owners—claims that organizers have since denied.
Despite the controversies, Singson maintained that Miss Universe remains a strong global brand that could be revitalized under experienced leadership, should negotiations progress toward a sale.
