Six Southeast Asian countries—Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, and Singapore—are caught in a legal and organizational dispute that could affect their participation in the 2026 Miss Universe pageant. The conflict arises between two entities claiming ownership or rights over the Miss Universe franchise: JKN Universe LLC, which owns the global Miss Universe brand, and Miss Universe Eastern Pte Ltd (MU East), a company managed by Thai businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil. On September 18, JKN Universe claimed that the six countries' participation in the 75th Miss Universe event in Puerto Rico in November would not be valid, arguing that MU East had no authority to represent the brand and that the franchise agreements were made without proper licensing. MU East rejected JKN Universe's claims, stating it had not reviewed or approved the statement and that it did not reflect the official position of both sides. The company asserted that it had the right to send six qualified contestants from the six countries and that their participation should not be disrupted by the ongoing disagreement. It also rejected JKN Universe's attempt to invalidate the existing franchise agreements, stating that such contracts made under MU East's territorial rights could not be nullified by a unilateral public statement. The situation has left the six contestants in a precarious position. While one side of the organization claims they are ineligible to compete, the other asserts their participation is protected by the agreements in place with national franchise holders. Nawat Itsaragrisil, who became chief executive of MU East in July, stated he would support the national directors, delegates, and commercial partners in the eastern region. During a press conference on September 18, he confirmed that the six contestants would proceed to Puerto Rico regardless of JKN Universe's announcement, saying, "I am not going, but the contestants are definitely going." Only Thailand has selected its representative so far, with Tharina Botes crowned Miss Universe Thailand in August. Malaysia and Vietnam are set to choose their contestants next month. The dispute echoes past tensions involving Itsaragrisil, who recently faced backlash for publicly reprimanding Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch during a pre-pageant event in Bangkok last year. His harsh comments, including calling Bosch a "dumb head," led to several contestants walking out in protest. Miss Universe president Raúl Rocha later condemned Itsaragrisil's behavior and restricted his involvement in the 2025 competition. Itsaragrisil later apologized, saying in Thai, "If someone doesn’t feel well, if someone feels uncomfortable, if anyone was affected, I apologise to everyone."