Rivera Schatz: Miss Universe will be ‘the next Power Expectations’ for La Fortaleza
By THE STAR STAFF
Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz warned on Wednesday that the controversy surrounding Miss Universe 2026 will be “the next Power Expectations” that La Fortaleza must address, at a time when questions are being raised regarding the contract and public funds allocated for the pageant.
“Millions of dollars for Miss Universe -- that is going to be the next Power Expectations that La Fortaleza will have to handle,” Rivera Schatz stated during a press conference.
The controversy arises amid an internal dispute within the Miss Universe organization, after Thai businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly questioned the agreements for the pageant to be hosted in Puerto Rico and demanded explanations regarding the handling of and authorizations for the funds.
The government investment was initially agreed upon at $9 million and was subsequently adjusted to $8.7 million. The government has already disbursed $4.5 million, with a balance of $4.2 million remaining.
The Puerto Rico Tourism Company has maintained that the contract and its amendments were signed by authorized representatives of Miss Universe and that the organization’s internal disputes do not affect the contractual relationship with the government.
Gov. Jenniffer González Colón has also defended the continuation of the pageant and the public investment, arguing that the event will generate economic activity and international exposure for Puerto Rico.
Rivera Schatz did not specify which elements of the Miss Universe controversy he considers comparable to the failed Power Expectations temporary power generation contract, nor did he announce a Senate investigation into the matter.
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