The controversy surrounding the 74th Miss Universe pageant continues to escalate days after Mexico’s Fátima Bosch was crowned Miss Universe 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. What started as scattered social media discussions has now snowballed into a global debate on transparency at one of the world’s most prestigious beauty pageants.
Ex-Judge Omar Harfouch’s Explosive Claims
Lebanese-French composer and Miss Universe 2025 judge Omar Harfouch was the first to resign from the eight-member judging panel. In a long series of Instagram posts, he claimed that:
- A “secret committee” had allegedly preselected the Top 30 contestants
- Judges were aware of the finalists 24 hours before the competition rounds
- Some finalists were allegedly linked to personal relationships with members of the selection committee
- A committee member was allegedly involved in an affair with a contestant
Following his exit, other notable panel members — including French football manager Claude Makélélé and Princess Camilla di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, the president of the Miss Universe selection committee — also resigned, further fuelling speculation.
MUO President Raul Rocha Responds Publicly
After days of silence, Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) President Raul Rocha has finally addressed the allegations.
In an Instagram video published on November 21 by the page Amusestan, Rocha revealed that:
- He personally removed Omar Harfouch from the judging panel
- He has text message evidence proving the decision
- Omar’s allegations negatively affected MUO’s Beyond The Crown philanthropy program
- CNN reporters directly questioned him about the alleged rigging
During the interaction, Rocha displayed screenshots of the messages where he officially informed Omar that he was being excluded from the judging team. Rocha stated that Omar “damaged” the prestigious social-impact initiative through misinformation.
Rigging Allegations Continue to Stir Debate
Although MUO maintains that the pageant was executed fairly and transparently, public discussions have not subsided.
The chain of resignations has raised questions about:
- The impartiality of the selection committee
- The integrity of the Miss Universe voting process
- The involvement of external influencers in finalist selection
While MUO has denied any wrongdoing, the organisation is expected to release further clarifications amid mounting pressure.c
