Nawat Itsaragrisil denies Miss Universe Philippines franchise takeover rumors

Nawat Itsaragrisil sets the record straight after rumors linked him to taking over Jonas Gaffud’s franchise.

Thai pageant powerhouse Nawat Itsaragrisil has set the record straight following reports claiming he could acquire the Miss Universe Philippines franchise, currently headed by Jonas Gaffud.

Nawat, who leads Miss Grand International and is now associated with Miss Universe Eastern, directly addressed the issue after the alleged statement circulated online.

In a recent Instagram Story, the Thai pageant producer denied making the remarks attributed to him. “I never said this, and I never mentioned Jonas by name. I was speaking about the situation in general. Jonas is a good friend of mine, and I have great love and respect for the people of the Philippines,” Nawat stated.

His clarification followed a circulating report claiming that Gaffud, the Philippines’ national director, could lose the Miss Universe franchise.

“Jonas Gaffud, National Director of the Philippines, should get ready to lose the Miss Universe franchise. (There are also some people who are playing both sides),” read the statement attributed to Nawat, which was reportedly taken from his Aug. 25 livestream.

Another portion of the report claimed that several national directors under the MU Eastern team supposedly remained loyal to former Miss Universe owner Raúl Rocha.

“And there are several NDs who remain loyal and whose hearts are still with Mr. Raul. To be honest, I can’t mention which countries. Even though they are under the MU Eastern team, they’re just staying quiet and not giving us their trust. Sometimes this is an internal matter, but sometimes it also needs to be said,” the report read.

The alleged statement further added: “You have to be on our side only (MU Eastern). All NDs in countries that are on our side must follow us as well, and must not follow the other side (MU Western). If you’re still leaning toward Mr. Raul, don’t get mad later when you ask him for something and he doesn’t give it.”

Nawat’s clarification aims to quash speculation that he is targeting Gaffud or planning to take over the Philippine franchise.

Under Gaffud’s leadership, the Philippines has maintained a strong presence on the Miss Universe stage, fielding representatives such as Rabiya Matteo, Beatrice Luigi Gomez, Celeste Cortesi, Michelle Dee, Chelsea Manalo, and Ahtisa Manalo.

The Miss Universe Philippines organization was established in 2020 after the national franchise ended its long-standing run with Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI).

For decades, BPCI held the local franchise and produced multiple international titleholders. The 2020 transfer gave Miss Universe Philippines its own distinct identity while allowing Binibining Pilipinas to continue its pageant tradition.

Nawat was notably present during the 2026 edition of Miss Universe Philippines, where Bea Millan Windorski was crowned to represent the country at the 75th Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico this November.

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