BANGKOK, Sept. 18 -- Malaysia, Thailand and four other national Miss Universe franchises face possible exclusion from this year's 75th Miss Universe pageant following a dispute over licensing rights to the beauty pageant brand.

Bangkok Post reported that a document issued in the name of the Miss Universe organisation said JKN Universe LLC did not recognise the franchise arrangements for Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia and Singapore, while Khaosod English reported that the organisation said contestants from all six countries would not be eligible to compete in Miss Universe 2026.

The disputed franchises cover Miss Universe Thailand for the 2025-2029 period, while those for Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia and Singapore con...