Puerto Rico Issues Cease-And-Desist To Nawat Itsaragrisil Amid Miss Universe 2026 Funding Dispute

The long-running dispute surrounding Miss Universe and former Thai pageant director Nawat Itsaragrisil took a new turn on September 24 when the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PTC) — the government agency coordinating the 75th Miss Universe pageant on the island — sent a formal cease-and-desist letter to Nawat.

The Miss Universe 2026 conflict escalates as Puerto Rico sends Nawat Itsaragrisil a cease-and-desist letter over claims involving public funds and the pageant. (@ Nawat Itsaragrisil)

What the Letter Says

The PTC demanded that Nawat stop making or circulating what it described as "false, inaccurate, or materially misleading factual assertions" about the agency, its officials, contracting procedures, and the handling of public funds tied to Miss Universe 2026. The statement said some of Nawat's public claims about JKN Universe LLC's corporate structure, authority, bank accounts and the involvement of Puerto Rican officials are inconsistent with corporate documents the agency reviewed.

Thai pageant director Nawat Itsaragrisil found himself at the center of controversy after publicly insulting Fátima Bosch. (@ rrss)

Agency Response And Rationale

"We are aware that there are controversies between Mr. Itsaragrisil and people or entities linked to the Miss Universe organization. The Tourism Company is not a party to those differences, and we will not allow a controversy between third parties to be used to question, without foundation, the integrity of our processes or the responsible management of public funds. Our responsibility is to protect public funds, the interests of Puerto Rico, and Puerto Rico's projection as a tourist destination, acting with the corresponding transparency and rigor," PTC Executive Director Willianette Robles Cancel said.

The agency emphasized the notice is not intended to silence opinions or block legal action. Instead, it requires that factual statements about the Tourism Company's actions be accurate and complete and that disputed matters not be presented as settled facts.

The Tourism Company does not want Puerto Rico dragged into the corporate battle surrounding Miss Universe. (@ @sarinkp.official)

Background To The Dispute

In recent weeks, Nawat publicly questioned how funds provided by Puerto Rico for Miss Universe 2026 were handled, alleging possible diversion of money and questioning whether agreements to bring the pageant to the island had proper corporate authorization. He also publicly urged Governor Jenniffer González Colón and PTC leadership to investigate what he called irregularities in payments and contracts tied to the event. Before the PTC letter, Nawat reportedly gave the agency until September 25 to answer his questions and said his legal team might become involved if he didn’t receive satisfactory responses.

Miss Grand International (MGI) president Nawat Itsargrisil, pose during a promotional event for the upcoming Miss Grand International Finale (@ AFP via Getty Images)

Event Preparations And The Larger Dispute

Despite the public confrontation, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company says production and coordination work for the November competition is proceeding. The agency described the 75th anniversary pageant as a major opportunity to promote Puerto Rico internationally and to stimulate economic activity.

A central element of the broader Miss Universe controversy centers on whether delegates from Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries will be allowed to compete. Nawat has insisted those contestants remain eligible and will travel to Puerto Rico, while other Miss Universe representatives have challenged the validity of their franchise arrangements.

What Comes Next

The cease-and-desist is a formal warning demanding accurate public statements about the agency and Puerto Rico’s involvement. It signals that the government will push back against public allegations that it views as unfounded, while still allowing private parties to pursue legal remedies if they choose.