Miss Universe Organization Breaks Silence on Miss USA Leadership Changes amid Conflicting Reports

The Miss Universe organization named a new CEO and President of its American pageant offshoots, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA

The Miss Universe organization has officially announced new leadership for both the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants.

The international pageant — which also owns the United States offshoots — issued a press release on Monday, Sept. 15, to “announce a new chapter” in its history. It stated that Brodeur Beauty founder Thom Brodeur “has acquired the exclusive license rights” to the two U.S. pageants.

Brodeur now serves as President and CEO of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA, per the press release.

“Miss USA is one of the most recognizable brands in the global pageant industry,” he said in a quote included in the release. “We are bringing a transformational vision rooted in technology, media, and fan engagement to modernize and revitalize these titles for the next generation of powerhouse women and their worldwide fan base

Brodeur previously shared the news of his leadership in an Instagram post on Sept. 4. Miss Universe’s official recognition comes after former CEO Laylah Rose publicly claimed she was still overseeing Miss USA and Miss Teen USA.

On Sept. 5, she posted a statement on the pageants’ official Instagram pages seemingly denying Brodeur’s claims that he would be replacing her.

“We do not engage with every rumor or piece of hearsay. Instead, we focus on verified information and constructive dialogue to ensure clarity and trust,” Rose wrote

Brodeur, in his Sept. 4 statement to his Instagram account, had previously announced that he was “thrilled to share” that he had officially acquired a 10-year license for both the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants.

However, Rose, in her post, denied the claim, writing that she had not “been contacted nor have I see any new contracts, regarding any transfer of ownership.”

She continued, stating, “It is our sincere expectation that if changes in ownership or leadership ever occur, they will be communicated appropriately, properly, and directly to all stakeholders, safeguarding the legacy and future of these historic organizations.”

In a statement to PEOPLE after Rose’s post, Brodeur said, “We’re looking forward to official communications from the Miss Universe organization on the matters.”

PEOPLE also reached out to representatives for Rose and the Miss USA organization for comment.

Rose has faced other instances of controversy during her two-year tenure as president and CEO of the Miss USA and Miss USA Teen organizations.

At the start of her time at the company, both Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava relinquished their titles, a landmark moment for the pageant, as it marked the first time that a queen had given up her crown in its history.

NBC News obtained a copy of Noelia’s resignation letter, reporting that Voight accused the pageant’s CEO, Laylah Rose, of creating a toxic workplace after Voigt told her she was sexually harassed at a Christmas event

Rose denied the allegations at the time in a statement to the Los Angeles Times. “We are very disappointed to hear the recent false allegations made by individuals speaking on behalf of our former titleholder,” she said.

“The allegations of sexual harassment, toxic environment and bullying are not true,” Rose’s statement continued. “To be clear, such behavior is not accepted, and we can assure you that if such behavior ever occurred, we would take immediate steps to protect our titleholder and provide access to appropriate resources