Impact x Nightline: Season 3, Episode 11 - Cracks in the Crown: Miss Universe in Crisis? (2024)

The episode opens with a montage of iconic Miss Universe and Miss USA pageant moments, highlighting the glamour and global reach of the competitions. Janai Norman, the host, introduces the premise: recent changes in ownership and mounting controversies have cast doubt on the integrity and future of the pageants. Norman sets the stage by explaining that the Miss Universe Organization was purchased in 2022 by Anne Jakrajutatip, a Thai businesswoman, and that since then, numerous allegations and legal disputes have surfaced.

Norman interviews Omar Castorino Montanaro, an entrepreneur who attempted to secure the hosting rights for the 2025 Miss Universe pageant in Paraguay. Montanaro explains that he paid a $500,000 deposit to the Miss Universe Organization, believing the event would be held in Paraguay. He describes the initial excitement and planning, including securing venues and sponsors. However, after months of communication, Montanaro says the organization stopped responding to his inquiries and never returned his deposit. He expresses frustration and disbelief, stating, "They took my money and then they went quiet."

The documentary shifts focus to internal management issues within the Miss Universe Organization. Norman speaks with Rodrigo Goytortua, the former CEO of Miss Universe Mexico, who details his experience working under the new leadership. Goytortua describes a chaotic work environment, with frequent changes in policy and a lack of transparency. He claims that communication from the central office in Thailand was often delayed or unclear, leading to confusion among national directors.

Norman then interviews Annemarie Pisano, the former press manager for Miss Universe. Pisano recounts her time with the organization, highlighting what she describes as a toxic workplace culture. She alleges that there were instances of bullying and harassment, particularly targeting staff members who raised concerns about the new management. Pisano says she ultimately left her position due to the stressful environment and lack of support from leadership.

The episode delves into the Miss USA organization, which operates under the same parent company. Norman speaks with Claudia Michelle, the former social media director for Miss USA. Michelle describes a pattern of mistreatment and intimidation among staff and contestants. She shares specific examples of bullying, including verbal abuse and exclusion from important meetings. Michelle also mentions that several contestants reported feeling unsafe and unsupported during their time in the competition.

Norman interviews Jeff Lee, the national coach for Miss Universe Peru. Lee discusses the challenges faced by national directors in maintaining the standards of the pageant under the new ownership. He explains that many directors are concerned about the organization's reputation and the impact on their local competitions. Lee also reveals that some directors have considered withdrawing from the Miss Universe system due to the ongoing issues.

The documentary presents a lawsuit directed at Anne Jakrajutatip, the co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization. Norman outlines the allegations, which include financial mismanagement, breach of contract, and failure to return deposits from potential hosts. The lawsuit is brought by several parties, including Montanaro and other national directors. Norman interviews Brian Buckmire, an ABC News legal contributor, who explains the legal implications of the case and the potential consequences for the organization.

Norman speaks with Hilary Levey Friedman, author of "Here She Is: The Complicated Reign of the Beauty Pageant in America." Friedman provides historical context, explaining how the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants have evolved over the years and the significance of the current crisis. She notes that the pageants have always faced criticism but that the current situation is unprecedented in terms of the scale and nature of the allegations.

The episode includes interviews with Rafa Deflin, a pageant coach and vlogger, who shares his perspective on the impact of the controversies on contestants and coaches. Deflin describes the emotional toll on those involved, with many feeling disillusioned and uncertain about the future of the pageants. He also discusses the broader implications for the pageant industry, suggesting that the crisis could lead to a reevaluation of the entire system.

Norman returns to Montanaro, who provides an update on his legal efforts to recover his deposit. Montanaro says he has filed a formal complaint and is pursuing legal action against the Miss Universe Organization. He expresses hope that his case will bring attention to the broader issues and lead to reforms within the organization.

The documentary concludes with a statement from the Miss Universe Organization, read by Norman. The organization denies all allegations, stating that they have acted in good faith and that any disputes are being handled through proper legal channels. Norman notes that the organization has threatened legal action against those who have made public accusations, including Montanaro and other interviewees.

The final scene shows Norman reflecting on the state of the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants. She emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in maintaining the integrity of these institutions. The episode ends with a call for continued scrutiny and dialogue about the future of the pageants.

The episode "Cracks in the Crown: Miss Universe in Crisis?" ends with unresolved tensions surrounding the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), highlighting ongoing controversies about leadership ethics, financial disputes, and internal conflicts. The documentary closes without a definitive resolution, emphasizing the crisis atmosphere and the uncertain future of the pageant under its current ownership.

Expanded narrative of the ending scene by scene:

The final segment opens with a tense interview featuring entrepreneur Omar Castorino Montanaro, who recounts his experience of paying a $500,000 deposit to secure hosting rights for the 2025 Miss Universe pageant in Paraguay. He explains how the deal fell through and how the MUO failed to return his deposit, leaving him frustrated and financially impacted. His voice carries a mix of disbelief and disappointment as he states, "They took my money and then they went quiet," underscoring a breach of trust and financial mismanagement allegations.

Cutting to a video statement from MUO's legal director Mark Herrin and social media head Pakavich Buranabutr, the organization categorically denies all allegations related to the deposit and management issues. Their tone is firm and defensive, reflecting the organization's attempt to control the narrative and protect its reputation amid mounting criticism.

The scene shifts to exclusive interviews with former insiders like Rodrigo Goytortua, ex-CEO of Miss Universe Mexico, and Annemarie Pisano, former press manager for Miss Universe. They provide insider perspectives on the organizational turmoil, describing a culture of instability and ethical concerns under the new Thai ownership led by Anne Jakrajutatip. Their reflections are somber, revealing a stark contrast between the pageant's glamorous public image and the behind-the-scenes struggles.

Janai Norman, the episode's lead anchor, narrates the mounting crisis, emphasizing how the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants, once the pinnacle of beauty competitions, are now grappling with a loss of luster and credibility. The narrative highlights allegations of bullying and harassment within the Miss USA organization, further complicating the pageant's public standing.

The closing visuals show archival footage of past Miss Universe winners celebrating their victories, juxtaposed with recent images of empty stages and canceled events, symbolizing the pageant's uncertain future. The final shot lingers on the Miss Universe crown, slightly tarnished, as the narrator questions whether the crown can be restored to its former glory.

Regarding the fate of main figures:

• Omar Castorino Montanaro remains a vocal critic, his financial loss unresolved by the episode's end.
• Anne Jakrajutatip, the co-owner, is portrayed as a controversial figure facing serious allegations but no legal consequences are shown within the episode.
• Former insiders like Goytortua and Pisano have distanced themselves from the organization, their reputations intact but marked by their revelations.
• The Miss Universe Organization itself is depicted as embroiled in crisis, with its future uncertain and its leadership under scrutiny.

The episode closes on an open-ended note, underscoring the ongoing nature of the crisis without offering closure or solutions, leaving viewers with a sense of a pageant at a crossroads.

The episode reveals controversies involving Anne Jakrajutatip, the first transgender woman to own the Miss Universe Organization, including a leaked 2023 business meeting video where she appeared to contradict the organization's public stance on inclusivity by stating that transgender women and married or divorced women can compete but cannot win. She later claimed the video was maliciously edited and taken out of context. Additionally, the episode covers a lawsuit directed toward her and questions the ethics of the current leadership.

The documentary alleges that the Miss Universe Organization did not return a $500,000 cash deposit paid by entrepreneur Omar Castorino Montanaro, who intended to host the 2025 pageant in Paraguay. Montanaro claims the organization took his money and then went silent when the hosting deal fell through. The MUO legal team categorically denies these allegations.

The episode investigates allegations of bullying and harassment within the Miss USA organization. It highlights lawsuits against the co-owners of the parent Miss Universe Organization, suggesting internal turmoil and mismanagement affecting the sister pageant.

The episode features exclusive interviews with insiders such as Rodrigo Goytortua, former CEO of Miss Universe Mexico; Annemarie Pisano, former press manager for Miss Universe; Omar Castorino Montanaro, entrepreneur and TV host; Claudia Michelle, former social media director for Miss USA; Jeff Lee, national coach for Miss Universe Peru; and pageant coach Rafa Deflin. These interviews provide insights into organizational struggles, leadership controversies, and the pageant's declining relevance.

The episode portrays recent ownership changes, particularly the acquisition by Anne Jakrajutatip in 2022, as a catalyst for turmoil and uncertainty within the Miss Universe brand. It suggests that these changes have led to internal conflicts, public controversies, and a loss of interest among young women in the pageant, raising questions about the future viability and relevance of the Miss Universe Organization.