As the countdown to the 103rd Miss America pageant intensifies, the organization behind the beloved competition, Miss America Competition LLC, is embroiled in a high-stakes legal battle that could reshape its future. With just weeks remaining before the prestigious event in Orlando, Florida, the company has filed to withdraw from its ongoing bankruptcy proceedings, as disputes over ownership of the organization intensify.
On November 22, Miss America Competition LLC filed for bankruptcy protection in Miami, citing urgent financial issues, including $4.1 million in debt, and alleging operational mismanagement by a “former” manager, Robin Fleming. The company sought bankruptcy relief to regain control of the competition and address its debt crisis.
However, the situation has become far more complex as ownership disputes flare. Robin Fleming, who has managed the organization, disputes the bankruptcy filing, arguing that the case is a fraudulent attempt by estranged business partner Glenn Straub to seize control of the Miss America brand, which he claims to own under a 2022 purchase agreement.
In a court filing on Wednesday, Straub’s legal team stated that the organization no longer needs bankruptcy protection, as they have recently discovered that the alleged debts were already fully repaid. Miss America Competition LLC, however, insists that Fleming concealed key financial information, leading Straub to believe the debts were still outstanding.
The legal clash between Fleming and Straub has escalated as both parties fight to secure ownership of the iconic Miss America competition. Straub, who filed a lawsuit in Florida state court in April, argues that a 2022 purchase agreement grants him sole ownership of the organization. In contrast, Fleming maintains that she is the rightful owner, having managed the competition for years.
The legal tensions have been further compounded by Fleming’s counterclaims, which assert that Straub’s actions amount to defamation and fraudulent business dealings. Fleming has also filed a separate lawsuit in federal court, which was dismissed due to technicalities. However, Fleming’s attorney, Gene Rossi, confirmed that the complaint would soon be amended and re-filed.
The legal drama comes at a crucial time for the Miss America Competition. The 2024 event is scheduled to kick off in Orlando on December 31, with the crowning ceremony taking place on January 5. The Miss America brand, which has a legacy spanning over a century, faces a pivotal moment in its history as the parties involved seek clarity on ownership and control.
A bankruptcy judge will hear Straub’s motion to dismiss the case at an upcoming court hearing next week, and the outcome of this hearing could significantly impact the organization’s future direction.
As Miss America prepares to host one of the most-watched events in the U.S., the ownership dispute remains unresolved. While the bankruptcy proceedings hang in the balance, the legal battles over control of the organization are far from over. The pageant’s future may depend on how the courts address these ownership conflicts in the coming weeks.
The case, In re: Miss America Competition LLC, is being heard in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida, No. 24-22288.
Attorneys for Miss America Competition and Glenn Straub: Craig Eller of Kelley Kaplan & Eller PLLC and Larry Zink of Zink, Zink & Zink, Co. LPA
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