The Miss Universe pageant set to be held in Puerto Rico in November 2026 is surrounded by nonstop heated drama. Recently, MU West announced that six countries—Indonesia, Singapore, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand—are barred from competing, sparking a heated controversy. Tarina Botes Whether Miss Universe Thailand 2026 will have the right to participate remains uncertain, alongside rumors about the revocation of the Miss Universe Thailand organizing rights and ongoing legal actions. Nawat Israksil shared a fiery statement on the issue at the Grand Richmond Rattanathibet Hotel.
When asked about the Miss Universe situation, where should we begin? What do you have on your phone?
"I think the Universe matter is too big for us to stay silent. Let's start with the recent post about the six countries being told they have no right to compete—Indonesia, Singapore, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand. This action is immature, unlawful, and unprofessional. Honestly, I'm not surprised because the people behind this are those already accused in multiple cases and clearly involved in suspicious activities."
"This is the Raoul faction, accused of arms trafficking, drug cases, illegal oil trading, transnational crime, and most recently, money laundering. Yet this person remains behind most of the current chaos. The question is: Are we really going to follow his orders? Are we going to let him lead Universe? And are we really giving him that authority?"
"So, can he post such things? Yes, he can. This is his style—he doesn't care about anyone. When we hosted, he suddenly posted insults, withdrew me from hosting duties despite contestants being in Thailand, forbade activities threatening lawsuits. He can do all that because he is a scammer."
"I'm neither shocked nor surprised by his posts. Do you know why he posted? Because I announced I would hold a press conference today, so he rushed to post first. That's fine—if he's confident, he should sign the post or have Miss Universe West sign it so I can sue properly. But he's not a true tough guy. I suggest he just put on an evening gown and join the memes everyone is making."
"He uses the name JKN Universe LLC, which means he's using a central company name. This company is not solely his. This person tries to seize everything belonging to others, ignoring all rules. Preventing six countries from attending must have board approval—1000000% sure."
"But he concentrates power based on personal feelings. What about the other 50% of owners and the other half of the board? They have posted on Miss Universe's Facebook confirming there was no such order."
"Such arbitrary actions violate legal agreements—the contract terms we must abide by. He has no right to command the eastern side, and I have no authority over the western side as CEO. Even if Thailand hosts next year, I can't reject his countries because the contract clearly prohibits refusal or overriding the opposite side."
"Everyone should screenshot this to use as evidence in courts in Delaware and New York. I appreciate the additional proof. But will I go? Listen carefully...""I won't go, but the contestants will definitely go.""I believe Puerto Rico will uphold proper standards in hosting guests. Importantly, his post didn't use his side's name but JKN Universe, which is not his alone. What power does he have? The shares are split half and half, divided into West and East, alternating hosting duties."
"If he's a real tough guy, he should sign from the West side, but maybe he's afraid. If afraid, just wear an evening gown and blush. Thanks for posting today; it will serve as evidence I can use extensively."
"Regarding this matter, I confirm that the six countries—Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand represented by Tarina Botes—will definitely step onto San Juan, Puerto Rico.""If these six countries don't go, then the other 95 countries don't need to go anywhere."
"If they don't go, are you worried the contestants might be mistreated?"
"Oh, no problem. I have confidence in the country, but not in Raoul's side. We will definitely attend. I thank Senator Thomas and the commission investigating corruption and improper contracts. I have sent all the details regarding the improper contracts."
"I sincerely thank Puerto Rico for dealing directly with me alone—they trust me. I have sent all documents to them; they have read them. These documents have been reviewed by a leading global law firm, verifying every page before emailing. They confirmed receipt and began investigation on 15-16 September. So, there is an extensive amount of documentation on these issues."
"We work according to agreements and correctness. I don't want to recount past odd acts, such as signing contracts with JKN Universe, a central company, with Puerto Rico. This breaches agreements because it must be with the internal party. At the 74th edition, I signed with Singapore; the 75th in Puerto Rico should be signed by Raoul's side, but they shifted it to a central company, which is split 50/50. If money disappears or lawsuits arise, my side must be liable too."
"They received payments twice totaling 3 million USD. Another 1.5 million USD was received in April with an amendment allowing MJ to sign, including a 300,000 USD discount reducing the fee from 9 million to 8.7 million. The 1.5 million USD was transferred to Bank of America, unrelated to JKN Universe. Raoul and his team opened this account secretly without board consent or approval."
"I sent heavy emails three times warning Puerto Rico to be cautious about contracts, fake documents, and potentially wasted transfers. The initial 4.5 million USD disappeared completely, mostly due to personal matters."
"Why did we have to keep emailing? Because the contract requires notification of any suspicious issues or problems found. We performed our duties on the East side, protesting that signing contracts with a central company is invalid."
"It never passed the board, was never consented to or approved. Puerto Rico risks making a void contract because these actions may be from ignorance, which we warned about. Puerto Rico read all emails but ignored them and continued."
"We follow contract terms and must protest for correctness. We don't want Universe to become a tool for scammers, criminals, or Puerto Rico's corrupt dealings. Yet, no acceptance or correction occurred, and transfers continued."
"My questions are: 1. Why not one 9 million USD contract but two separate ones (4.5 + 4.5)? 2. Why does the contract not mention a Host Country Fee but calls it Sponsorship Fee, perhaps to avoid the term Host Country? 3. Why is the audit period extended to six years post-event?"
"Also, company expense records show 150,000 USD 'for the release of PRTC funding'—withdrawn to make Puerto Rico repay money. Is this corruption or bribery? Does it relate to rumors of cash smuggling?"
"The second contract was made on 28 August after our disputes but was rushed to be signed. This confirms the problem is not due to having two shareholders but due to improper actions."
"I wonder if there are conflicting interests. I don't want the Universe brand to be tarnished by scammers, money laundering, or conspiracies. So I state now, if Villanette was investigated on 15-16 September showing everything, I say nothing is true."
"I've checked thoroughly. Villanette, read this—your subordinates CC each other admitting no money. If I were in that tense situation with no money or supply, I'd ask, 'How can you have none after I paid 4.5 million? What did you do with the money?' Would this risk Puerto Rico? But politicians protect these strange people, ignoring the citizens and taxpayers. I feel deeply for Puerto Rico's people."
"Money transferred immediately, faster than 'Car for Cash'—demanded morning, afternoon, then supported like a united team or gang. Business normally has layers of negotiation, but this was 'Always at your service,' like working together or being partners. Why?"
"This is evident. Transfers happened instantly. I have all records. Luckily, many Puerto Ricans disagree with Jennifer. One million is with me now—probably gone by now because we can't access that account. It could be withdrawn anytime. I'm worried about what remains. No matter what I say, they don't believe me."
"What Jennifer says is incorrect. Jennifer and PRTC are the source of accepting fake documents, improper transfers, and failing to verify documents. Last night, I uncovered a new secret. If Puerto Rico doesn't stop, we will sue them."
"On 27 March, before MJ signed the amendment (which shouldn’t have been added), Puerto Rico called the other side to discuss after two payments. Transfers occurred in early April, and the amendment was signed around 30 March. But isn't it odd?"
"On 27 March, a new company was registered named JKN Universe with 'Texas' barely visible. This is a fake company to align with JKN Universe. I don't know if Raoul alone registered it and used it to deceive Puerto Rico or if others with shared interests advised it. This company has no relation to Universe, like a roadside fried chicken vendor. If Puerto Rico uses this document, their project is worth zero."
"How this company is used is unclear. Possibly they registered it and affixed its certificate to the central company to assert full authority. Or removed 'Texas' and sent the document, making it appear complete."
"Puerto Rico, have you ever seen this? This is the clearest truth. Suddenly, a company called JKN Universe LLC appeared with 'Texas' barely shown on top. Cover 'Texas' and nothing remains but JKN Universe LLC. Scammers often do this. And Puerto Rico transfers money skillfully."
"Whose company is this?"
"Of course, it belongs to their gang. Whatever. This company has no connection whatsoever with Universe. So, all matters including power of attorney documents have never been issued by Miss Universe. If Puerto Rico is competent, Jennifer Villanette and her gang must find out these are 100% fake."
"The first power of attorney, dated 2021, authorized Jose, a relative of Raoul, with full authority. I suspect this was backdated to create a false narrative."
"Then, on 1 March, before the crisis, after registering the fake company on 27 March and before MJ signed the amendment on 30 March..."
"How could MJ sign? MJ had no authority. Actually, yes. The second document shows Jose authorized MJ to act on his behalf. So, the 2021 fake document granted authority to Jose, and then Jose gave MJ power to negotiate and sign."
"This is invalid—a super fake. If Puerto Rico is unaware, I have sent all evidence. Today, I add the Texas document. Many Puerto Rican friends on WhatsApp are aware."
"Before I proceed, I have methods to scan documents and get international legal review. Everything I say is true."
"Jennifer Villanette and her team must truly investigate, not just claim 'all checked and good' while using fake documents. Claiming they're valid risks legal charges. We may have to sue everyone including Villanette and Jennifer for supporting illegal acts."
"Miss Universe empowers women; we do not support scammers, drug dealers, illegal oil traders, arms traffickers, or money laundering. We reject these actions."
"Is Puerto Rico Tourism and its leadership complicit in money laundering? What about the 150,000 USD paid to someone to retrieve sponsorship funds? Everyone must watch closely."
"Therefore, Jennifer Villanette and her team have until 25 September to clarify. Without clarity, all evidence will be handed to legal authorities in Delaware and New York for prosecution. All involved in fake document use or forgery will be sued."
"I give you until 25 September to respond clearly. If you don't, all evidence will be sent to Delaware and New York legal teams immediately, and you will face consequences. I will sue everyone who used fake documents—not valid ones. These are forgeries."
"If you accept fake companies and documents, everything is fake—even the bank is fake. What are you doing? Have you read my emails? I've mentioned Bank of America many times, yet you keep transferring money to it without verification. They admit having no money, no supply, in a critical crisis, yet you ask no questions."
"This is taxpayer money—Puerto Rican people should wake up. Don't waste your money. This is your money, not Jennifer's or Villanette's. It links to criminals and rogue banks. If you keep transferring to the wrong bank, you may never recover funds. Your contract is incomplete from start to now because it’s invalid. I’ve sent Hemisphere company documents to Puerto Rico; please review carefully."
"My final question: these two power of attorney documents have no board approval or consent. They are fake, backdated—one from 2024 given to Jose, and before MJ met Puerto Rico to sign, another was made transferring authority from Jose to MJ. Is this madness?"
"This is very important and must be board approved. If Puerto Rico uses documents without board approval, it's illegal—100% illegal. Supporting illegal people or documents means you are also breaking the law."
"So what do you think about JKN Universe Texas? And the 150,000 USD paid to someone to retrieve your funding—does it mean corruption or bribery? I don’t know, but it’s my question. Jennifer, please answer. They can’t remove this from audit records now. I have the evidence."
"Every expense must state the purpose. Look at what they say: it was to retrieve Puerto Rico's payment. What is that? I don’t understand. If I’m naive, I wouldn’t know what to say. This needs answering."
"Most importantly, Carlos, CFO on the other side, emailed saying they have no money, are in critical supply shortage, and have no funds to pay urgently."
"But Jennifer claims she has checked everything. Is that true? Why was payment made within six hours? Asked at 7 a.m., replied at 8 a.m., money received at 1 p.m.—one million USD. Isn't it too easy to spend taxpayer money on someone? I don’t know either."
"If they said nothing, I might understand. But they admit no money, crisis, no supply, and ask for help. Why no questions back? Or are you on the same team?"
"If they want me to go, I don’t want to, but if the government, the investigative commission, or senators officially request it, I will go."
"Thanks to Thomas, the commission members, and deputy senators who care about the public, transparency, and fair investigation standards amid conspiracy."
"Undeniably, with all evidence, there are two possibilities: Jennifer or Villanette was negligent or complicit. I don’t know."
"So please answer. Don’t just say the event will continue. This conflict is now between one owner on the East and one on the West, with Puerto Rico targeting Villanette, Jennifer, and their team since they’ve seen all emails but didn’t respond three times, yet demanded a million USD quickly. Carlos, a high-ranking official, said no money, no supply, no production company, no hotel—everything’s a mess."
"In the end, will this go to court?"
"Importantly, may I ask: in the US in 2022, no host fee at El Salvador; the next year at El Salvador, only 5 million USD host fee; the next year in Mexico, zero host fee; and last year in Thailand, zero host fee."
"Why does your country, with a population of just 3 million—half of whom are retirees and about one million taxpayers—dare to pay 9 million USD before any discount? This is among the highest fees ever in history, and based on many fake documents."
"This case must be resolved. If not, Villanette and Jennifer will be lumped with Raoul as co-conspirators in money laundering, company crimes, using fake documents, and illegal acts."
"We give seven days from today until 25 September Thai time midnight. If no explanation is provided, we will escalate to our international legal team in New York immediately, hold a major press conference, and refuse Universe supporting illegal acts."
"It’s clear the documents are illegal and fake. Should Universe become a victim forced to support criminals or local corrupt politicians? Universe has never fallen so low until encountering you."
"I want to protect Universe for the world. I don't want endless arguments or fights. I respect Puerto Rico and its people and want to help clarify because the 'people' are the most important—they pay taxes and deserve to know who paid what, how, to whom, and the real problems. This is the truth."
"So you have seven days, Jennifer and the government. If you do nothing, we will proceed and hand all documents to the US Presidential Office as well. We won't tolerate such collusion."
"Choose your path: sign new valid contracts, don't meddle with the central company, or retrieve the money yourself because you transferred it to the wrong bank. Tell me your plan. I want to clear this before it escalates. Will you postpone, cancel, or proceed? Say it."
"For the West side, it's their right; for the East, it's ours. We don’t interfere with their side, but they like to interfere with ours."
"If this continues, we urge 95 countries, about 60 of which will send contestants, to uphold true Empower Women values. Empowerment can change the world but must not support corruption or scammers. So not attending Puerto Rico won't be fatal."
"This is my last statement and warning: the West side has no right to use the name JKN Universe. Every use must be approved, especially important contracts like Puerto Rico’s, which never got approval. Using fake documents is serious; many politicians have been jailed for such methods."
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