In a dramatic turn of events just days before the highly anticipated Miss Universe pageant in Thailand, two Miss Universe judges have resigned, raising questions about the integrity of the competition. The resignations come amidst allegations that the selection process for finalists may have been pre-determined, sparking a social media firestorm and prompting responses from the Miss Universe Organisation.
Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch was the first to publicly announce his resignation from the eight-member jury on Instagram, accusing the organisers of forming an “impromptu jury” that had already selected finalists prior to the competition. The pageant, scheduled for Friday in Thailand, features 136 contestants representing countries from around the globe.
“An impromptu jury has been formed to select 30 finalists from among the 136 participating countries, without the presence of any of the real [eight] members of the jury, including me,” Mr. Harfouch wrote. He also alleged that the unofficial jury included individuals with “significant potential conflicts of interest due to personal relationships with some of the Miss Universe contestants.” Harfouch claimed he discovered the formation of this jury via social media, which added to his concerns about transparency and fairness.
Hours later, French football manager Claude Makélélé joined Harfouch in stepping down. Makélélé cited “unforeseen personal reasons” for his resignation but expressed his admiration for the platform. On Instagram, he described the decision as “difficult” and emphasised that he holds Miss Universe in high regard as a platform representing empowerment, diversity, and excellence.
Two Miss Universe Judges Resign Amid Allegations
The resignation of two Miss Universe judges follows a recent wave of controversy involving contestants themselves. Just two weeks prior, several participants staged a walkout during a pre-pageant event in Thailand after allegedly being berated by host nation director Nawat Itsaragrisil. Videos circulated online showing Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, and other contestants leaving the stage in protest over comments about their social media activity, which drew widespread condemnation.
In response to Harfouch’s claims regarding the “impromptu jury,” the Miss Universe Organisation issued a statement firmly denying any impropriety. They stated, “No external group has been authorised to evaluate delegates or select finalists.” The organisation suggested that Harfouch may have confused the official competition process with the Beyond the Crown programme, which operates independently and focuses on social impact initiatives rather than judging the main pageant.
The Beyond the Crown initiative, which has its own selection committee, was officially announced on Monday, a day before Harfouch’s resignation post. According to the Miss Universe Organisation, the programme was mischaracterised by Harfouch’s allegations, and the committee involved does not influence the outcomes of the main Miss Universe competition.
The resignations of two Miss Universe judges have amplified international attention on the pageant and raised broader concerns about fairness, transparency, and the treatment of contestants. Social media has been flooded with debates and opinions, with fans and critics weighing in on the alleged pre-selection and the controversial behaviour of officials at pre-pageant events.
The pageant’s Thailand director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, was publicly criticised for his conduct during the pre-pageant incident involving Miss Mexico. Although Mr. Nawat later claimed his remarks were misunderstood, the backlash prompted the Miss Universe Organisation to intervene. They sent a delegation of international executives to oversee the remaining events, ensuring that the competition is conducted according to the organisation’s standards.
The combination of high-profile resignations and contestant protests has created a tense atmosphere leading up to the live broadcast of the Miss Universe pageant. While organisers insist the competition will proceed fairly, the departure of two esteemed judges has inevitably raised questions about how much influence and control external factors may have had on the selection process.
As the countdown continues to the final on Friday, fans are eagerly anticipating the crowning of Miss Universe. However, the resignations of two Miss Universe judges serve as a reminder of the pressures, politics, and scrutiny that surround global beauty pageants. Contestants and organisers alike are now under the international spotlight, with expectations high for a transparent and drama-free conclusion to the event.
Observers note that the heightened attention may also benefit the pageant in terms of viewership, as audiences tune in not only for the competition but to see how the organisers manage the fallout from recent controversies. Despite the turbulence, the Miss Universe Organisation remains committed to celebrating diversity, talent, and empowerment among the participants, reaffirming the pageant’s role as one of the most recognised and prestigious events in the global beauty arena.
As the event approaches, all eyes will be on Thailand, where the remaining judges, contestants, and officials will strive to ensure that the 2025 Miss Universe pageant delivers a fair, inspiring, and memorable conclusion — proving that even amid controversy, the show must go on.
Source- BBC