Miss USA franchise owner cuts ties with Miss Universe organization
Photo from usastatepageants/Instagram
Sending ripples through the pageant community around the world, Future Productions – the longtime license holder for the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA state franchises in Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming – has recently announced it is cutting ties with the Miss USA and Miss Universe Organizations, effective immediately.
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The announcement was made via a statement addressed to contestants, titleholders, sponsors and fans.
The organization, which has been a staple in the regional pageant scene for over two decades, cited concerns over the current leadership of both national and international pageant entities, specifically pointing to VVV Global Entertainment, which runs Miss USA and JKN Global Group, the parent company of the Miss Universe Organization.
“After thoughtful consideration, we have made the necessary decision to end our affiliation,” the organization shared in its official post. While emphasizing their long-standing commitment to uplifting women through professional opportunities and philanthropic work, Future Productions expressed dissatisfaction with the direction and leadership under the current management.
“At this time, we do not feel we are operating under leadership that understands or prioritizes the business of the state-level franchises,” the statement read, hinting at a disconnect between the national organization’s operations and the needs of local partners.
Despite the severed ties, Future Productions left the door open for potential collaboration in the future. “Perhaps that will change in the future,” the statement noted and added that while no new venture is currently planned, circumstances could evolve.
Currently, the Miss Universe Organization is co-owned by Thai media mogul Anne Jakrajutatip through JKN Global Group and Legacy Holding Group USA Inc.
As the dust settles, many in the industry are watching closely to see whether other state-level producers will follow suit or if this marks the beginning of a larger reckoning within the pageant world.
