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Two Miss Universe judges resign days before final event
Two judges for the upcoming Miss Universe 2025 pageant have resigned within hours of each other, with one accusing organizers of manipulating the selection process. The competition is scheduled for Friday in Thailand, where 136 contestants will vie for the crown.
Allegations of pre-selection by unofficial jury
Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch, one of eight official jury members, announced his resignation on Instagram Tuesday, claiming an "impromptu jury" had already chosen 30 finalists without the involvement of the designated judges. Harfouch stated he learned of the move through social media and alleged that the unofficial panel included individuals with "significant potential conflicts of interest" due to personal ties with contestants.
He did not specify how the unofficial jury's decisions would override the official panel's role or how the process would unfold.
Miss Universe Organisation denies claims
The Miss Universe Organisation swiftly rejected Harfouch's accusations in a Tuesday statement, asserting that "no external group has been authorised to evaluate delegates or select finalists." The organization suggested Harfouch may have confused the pageant's jury with the Beyond the Crown program-a separate "social impact initiative" with its own selection committee, announced just a day earlier.
The group described Harfouch's claims as a "mischaracterization" of the Beyond the Crown initiative, which operates independently from the main competition.
Second judge cites personal reasons
Hours after Harfouch's announcement, Claude Makélélé, the former French football manager and fellow judge, also resigned via Instagram. Makélélé called it a "difficult decision" but cited "unforeseen personal reasons" rather than procedural concerns. He praised the pageant's values of "empowerment, diversity, and excellence" in his post.
Earlier controversy overshadows event
The resignations follow a public backlash earlier this month after Nawat Itsaragrisil, Thailand's Miss Universe director, was caught on video berating Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch for failing to post promotional content on social media. The incident, which went viral, led to a walkout by Bosch and several other contestants during a pre-pageant event.
Nawat later claimed his remarks were "misunderstood", but the Miss Universe Organisation condemned his conduct and dispatched an international executive team to oversee the competition's remaining preparations.
Next steps for the pageant
The organization has not yet announced replacements for Harfouch or Makélélé. The 74th Miss Universe finale remains set for Friday in Thailand, though the controversies have cast uncertainty over the event's proceedings.
