RAUL Rocha, president of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), said he is considering selling his stake in the pageant following weeks of controversy, including allegations of rigging during the 74th Miss Universe competition, according to a report by people.com.
In an interview with Mexican journalist Adela Micha on November 24, Rocha addressed the criticism surrounding the Bangkok finals held on November 21 and the internal issues that have placed the organization under scrutiny.
Speaking in Spanish, Rocha confirmed that he serves as MUO president and holds a 50 percent ownership share.
He said he is already looking for a successor, telling Micha that the pageant felt like a “relay race” and that he was searching for the next person to “pass the baton to.”
Asked why he was reconsidering his ownership only months after taking over the organization in January 2024, Rocha replied that he had grown tired of the controversies. “I’m just so fed up. I’m so fed up with all the talk. I don’t involve myself in that kind of thing,” he said.
Rocha said he was frustrated that many outside personalities wanted to influence MUO decisions. He said that despite being “the owner, the proprietor, the president,” several individuals insisted on questioning his decisions regarding staffing, direction and competition rules.
The MUO has been hit by allegations of favoritism and rigging after several national directors and pageant followers questioned the scoring and selection process in the Bangkok competition. These allegations emerged as online discussions about access restrictions and preferential treatment circulated in pageant forums.
Rocha acquired his 50 percent stake earlier this year and manages the organization alongside Anne Jakrajutatip of JKN Global Group, according to Nation Thailand.
His name surfaced in pageant circles after a public dispute with Nawat Itsaragrisil, CEO of Miss Grand International, over limited backstage access during the Miss Universe finals.
