Luis Chavit Singson confirms ongoing negotiations to acquire the Miss Universe Organization, citing recent controversies and expressing plans to restore former leadership under Paula Shugart.
Veteran businessman and former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson has confirmed that negotiations are underway for a potential acquisition of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), a move that could significantly alter the direction of the world-renowned pageant after a year riddled with controversy.
In a recent interview with reporters, Singson revealed that initial discussions have already taken place between his camp and key former MUO figures, including longtime president Paula Shugart.
Restoring the “Shugart” standard
According to Singson, representatives of the organization are expected to arrive in the Philippines next month for in-person talks, indicating that the negotiations have moved beyond early speculation.
Singson said his interest in acquiring Miss Universe was prompted by the controversies that surrounded the most recent edition of the pageant, particularly questions about judging credibility and organizational integrity.
“Nasira sila sa Mexico, pinagbintangan sila na parang ‘di maayos ang judging, so sabi ko, ‘Bilhin ko na lang,’” Singson said, referring to the backlash that followed the competition.
Singson confirmed that he personally reached out to Shugart and other former executives to explore the possibility of a takeover.
“Kinausap ko sila–si Paula at ang executives nila. Pupunta sila dito next month para makipag-meeting,” he said, adding that the group appeared open to the proposal. “Interested naman sila, at sinabi nga nila na pupunta sila dito.”
When asked about his confidence in securing full ownership of the organization, Singson suggested that the current owners may already be inclined to sell.
“Palagay ko, gusto na talaga nilang ibenta dahil nagka-problema sila twice na so, babagsak na ’yan kung tutuloy pa sila,” he said.
Should the acquisition push through, Singson emphasized the importance of restoring experienced leadership. He expressed his intention to bring back Shugart to oversee operations, citing her long tenure and familiarity with the organization.
“Pinatakbo n’ya iyan for so many years. Siya ang nag-handle n’yan,” Singson said.
He also disclosed that former MUO executive Shawn McClain is expected to be part of the discussions, with January being eyed for a crucial meeting in the Philippines.
The “cooking show” controversy of 2025
The Miss Universe 2025 pageant, held in Bangkok, Thailand, crowned Mexico’s Fatima Bosch as the new titleholder, while Ahtisa Manalo of the Philippines finished as third runner-up. Despite the celebratory outcome, the event was overshadowed by a series of controversies leading up to coronation night.
Among the most talked-about incidents was a confrontation between Bosch and Thai pageant director Nawat Itsaragrisil, who was caught on video reprimanding the Mexican delegate over alleged shortcomings in social media promotion, an exchange that reportedly ended with Bosch walking out of the meeting.
Tensions escalated further when a judge resigned after claiming that the finalists had already been determined before the competition concluded, an allegation that pageant organizers firmly denied. Following the coronation, additional accusations surfaced against the pageant’s co-owners, including claims of fraud and illegal activities, placing the organization under heightened public scrutiny.
Amid these issues, Singson also weighed in on recent changes in the pageant’s eligibility rules, which have drawn mixed reactions from fans and stakeholders.
“Marami nga nagsabi na parang pinayagan na nila na sumali ang hindi ‘Miss’,” he said.
Asked about his views on LGBTQ+ participation and age limits, Singson offered a cautious response.
“Gusto ko iyong mga LGBT, pero I don’t know,” he said, adding that questions surrounding overaged candidates would be addressed collectively.
“Ayon pa, that will be decided by the group.”
With negotiations now underway, Singson’s potential takeover positions him as a key figure in what could be a defining moment for Miss Universe, one that may determine whether the pageant enters a new era or returns to a more familiar path under seasoned leadership.
Nasira sila sa Mexico, napagbintangan sila na parang ‘di maayos ang judging, so sabi ko, ‘Bilhin ko na lang.’
Chavit Singson
READ:
When rivals unite: the unexpected alliance shaking up Miss Universe
Kiko Escuadro
October 13, 2025
Mexico’s Fátima Bosch crowned Miss Universe ‘25 amid dramatic, unforgettable edition
Kiko Escuadro
November 21, 2025
Miss Universe crowns a new leader: Guatemalan diplomat takes the helm
Kiko Escuadro
October 30, 2025
