Six Southeast Asian countries will no longer send representatives to Miss Universe 2026 amid an ongoing dispute over franchise rights and the eligibility of their candidates.
In a statement released on Wednesday, October 21, the Miss Grand International (MGI) confirmed that representatives from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Laos will no longer travel to Puerto Rico for the 75th edition of the prestigious beauty pageant.
The MGI said it no longer sees a viable path for the six candidates to participate under conditions that would ensure their dignity, safety, and equal treatment.
The dispute began in September when the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) announced that it would not recognize franchise agreements associated with Miss Universe Eastern Pte. Ltd., a company linked to Thai businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil.
The MUO maintained that the company was not authorized to grant licenses for the Miss Universe brand, leading the organization to declare candidates from the six countries ineligible to compete.
(Photo Courtesy: Miss Universe/FB)
