The global beauty pageant community is watching closely after the official Miss Universe Instagram account, which boasted more than 7 million followers, vanished from the platform in late February 2026 with no explanation from the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO).
The apparent disappearance of related high‑profile accounts has intensified speculation about the pageant's future. This coincides with unverified ownership change rumours, legal entanglements and ongoing controversies around the Miss Universe 2025 crown.
On 19 February 2026, pageant fans noticed that the official Miss Universe Instagram was unavailable, showing an error message instead of the usual feed. Social media observers also noted that personal accounts linked to Miss Universe 2025 titleholder Fátima Bosch and MUO president Raúl Rocha were temporarily unavailable before reappearing.
The MUO has not issued any statement clarifying whether the outages are due to platform enforcement actions, account maintenance or internal transitions, leaving organisers, fans and national directors seeking answers.
Reports have circulated aboutpossible acquisition talks for the Miss Universe pageant, adding to the uncertainty surrounding its leadership. Filipino businessman Luis 'Chavit' Singson publicly shared that he and his daughter, Richelle Singson‑Michael, were in discussions with former Miss Universe executives about taking over the MUO.
TheMUO responded to these rumourswith a formal statement in early January 2026, reaffirming that current ownership and leadership remain unchanged. The organisation also described the acquisition speculation as false and misleading and pledged to take legal steps against unauthorised claims.
In separate statements, Rocha criticised acquisition rumours, calling them unrealistic and dismissing the suggestion that he or his partners had relinquished ownership.
Legal scrutiny has contributed to the narrative of instability. The co‑owners of Miss Universe have faced increasing legal and financial challenges, including a Thai court issuing an arrest warrant for former CEO Anne Jakrajutatip as part of a fraud case.
In Mexico, federal authorities froze Rocha's bank accounts as part of an investigation into alleged trafficking and money laundering, signalling high‑level legal pressure on the organisation's leadership.
The controversies extend beyond administration. The Miss Universe 2025 pageant, held in Thailand, drew criticism whenseveral contestants withdrew prior to the finale, and aformer judge alleged the event's results were predetermined.
Source: International Business Times UK
