A new multi-layered scandal is enveloping the Miss Universe Organisation, kicked off with a leaked video recording of an internal meeting and fuelled by fraud allegations, ongoing conflict between new and former leadership, and newly lodged industrial action brought by the former CEO of Miss Universe Mexico, Rodrigo Goytortua Ortega.

The explosive video laid bare the organisation’s approach to inclusion, its thinking on the way forward and its product-led business goals. 

The leaked video shows Miss Universe owner, Anne Jakrajutatip, talking about opening entries to all women, regardless of gender-origins, marital status, or age. 

“They can compete but they cannot win,” she says a few minutes before emphasising her commitment to female empowerment.

The meeting also discussed the creation of a reality show, marketing strategy, product sales and launching products on the back of the new inclusivity.

“Give inspiration, give hope...you make them feel empowered. We can launch our products like this,” Jakrajutatip is heard saying. 

“Remember, platform, pageant, product. In the last 71 years, they just did pageantry,” she continues. 

The secret video recording went viral on social media last week, bringing out a troupe of influencers and commentators, including American beauty queen Dani Walker. 

In a 21-minute YouTube video that was watched 57,000 times in a day, Walker said the contents of the video were “mindblowing” and that she was in “shock and disbelief”.

In a statement released on Friday out of Mexico City, the Miss Universe organisation said it “stands strong in upholding values of inclusion, transparency and integrity”.

The statement didn’t specifically mention the leaked video and did not mention Ortega or anyone else by name.  

The damage control mission criticised “misinformation” and smear attempts. 

The organisation says it will not be “swayed by unfounded allegations” and has slammed malicious attempts by certain individuals to tarnish the reputation of our organisation by spreading false accusations”. 

“These individuals have engaged in the manipulation of digital content and the distortion of facts for personal gain,” Miss Universe said, adding that all legal options would be taken “to address these unethical attempts to besmirch our organisation”. 

Rodrigo Goytortua Ortega, dubbed the “whistleblower” in social videos, is a key player in the latest scandal. 

In addition to his role at Miss Universe Mexico, Ortega became a shareholder in adtech/marketing company, Markethink, as part of a plan to bring the pageant to Mexico in 2024.

Ortega has now lodged a case with Mexico’s labour authorities for unjustified dismissal against Miss Universe co-owner, Raul Rocha Cantu. 

Ortega is claiming at least a million pesos and says he hasn’t received payment as promised when he was brought on board. 

Both Ortega, who now says he fears for his life, and Cantu were at the secretly recorded meeting, along with others. 

The video is the latest in a string of headline-making events and controversy that has surrounded the pageant since Jakrajutatip’s JKN Global acquired the property in October 2022. 

Earlier this month, Jakrajutatip and former long-time president Paula Shugart were locked in a public catfight involving suggestions of corruption and under-the-table dealing, allegations of defamation, and threats of legal action.

Shugart, who resigned in November last year, said she was breaking her silence because of the “recent false and outrageous comments” made by Jakrajutatip. 

Shugart called the assertions “dangerous and reckless” and said they “degrade the Miss Universe brand and its titleholders”. 

In Thailand, JKN is preparing for its bankruptcy court hearing on 5/6/7 March. The hearing was postponed from end January because the company’s legal director fell ill.