Paula Mary Shugart, 64, of Mount Pleasant, South California, United States graduated summa cum laude from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, USA with a bachelor’s degree in communications. In October 1998, she joined the Miss Universe organization as the vice president of production.
In January 2001, Shuggart was appointed as the president of the Miss Universe organization. On November 16, 2023, she resigned during the Miss Universe 2023 national costume show in El Salvador.
Miss Universe is currently owned by JKN Global Group and Legacy Holding, which have been merged as a privately held company called JKN Legacy. Jakkaphong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, 44, of Bangkok, Thailand own JKN Global Group while Raul Rocha Cantú of Mexico is the chief executive officer and the board president of Legacy Holdings.
On October 26, 2022, JKN Global Group acquired the Miss Universe organization. In January 2024, Rocha was announced as Jakrajutatip’s Miss Universe co-owner.
Recently, Jakrajutatip allegedly made false and outrageous comments impugning Shugart’s character, according to the latter. In particular, Jakrajutatip allegedly suggested that Shugart took money under the table to secure placements in Miss Universe competitions.
“Jakrajutatip not only defames me, but she also discredits the women who have won the Miss Universe crown by implying their titles were “bought” and not earned by merit,” Shugart wrote on social media on February 19, 2024. “I cannot abide by such dangerous and reckless assertions, which degrade the Miss Universe brand and its Titleholders.”
“I am presently considering my legal options in Thailand and what actions I might take,” Shugart continued. “However, given that my complaint will be just one of many legal actions currently facing the owner of JKN, it is imperative for the Miss Universe brand and its legacy that I immediately speak the truth and condemn these words before taking any action in Thai courts and I am reserving all rights to claim for damages.”
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