Read on Global NewsMiss Universe Judge Resigns Over Allegations of Pre-Selected Finalists
Omar Harfouch, a judge for the Miss Universe 2025 competition, has resigned just days before the pageant, alleging that the 30 finalists were pre-selected by an 'impromptu jury' without the knowledge of official judges. Harfouch claims the selection process involved individuals with conflicts of interest, including personal relationships with contestants, and has formally warned all current and past judges that participation may implicate them in what he describes as 'global-scale fraud.' The Miss Universe Organization denies the allegations, stating that all processes follow established protocols.
The Miss Universe 2025 competition has been rocked by controversy following the dramatic resignation of judge Omar Harfouch, who alleges that the pageant's finalists were pre-selected through an improper process. Harfouch's departure, just three days before the scheduled event, has raised serious questions about the transparency and integrity of one of the world's most prestigious beauty pageants.
The Allegations of Improper Selection Process
According to Harfouch's statements shared on Instagram, he discovered through social media that an 'impromptu jury' had been formed to select the 30 finalists from among 136 participating countries. This selection allegedly occurred without the presence or knowledge of any of the eight official judges. Harfouch expressed 'profound confusion and concern' about this development, particularly noting that the results of this preliminary selection were being kept secret.
Harfouch further claimed that this unofficial jury included individuals with 'significant potential conflict of interest due to some personal relationships with some of the Miss Universe contestants.' He specifically highlighted that the person responsible for counting votes and managing results was among those involved, creating what he described as additional conflicts of interest.
Miss Universe Organization's Response
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) issued a formal statement denying Harfouch's allegations. The organization clarified that what Harfouch described as an 'impromptu jury' was actually the selection committee for the 'Beyond the Crown Program,' which they characterize as an independent social impact initiative operating separately from the main competition.
In their statement, the MUO asserted that 'no impromptu jury has been created, that no external group has been authorized to evaluate delegates or select finalists, and that all competition evaluations continue to follow the established, transparent and supervised MUO protocols.' The organization acknowledged Harfouch's withdrawal from the judging panel and immediately prohibited him from associating himself with any Miss Universe trademarks or properties.
Legal Threats and Escalating Conflict
Following the MUO's statement and legal threats, Harfouch escalated the conflict by announcing he had consulted with a leading New York law firm to examine potential legal action. He indicated plans to file a formal complaint with the Office of the Attorney General, citing issues including 'fraud, abuse of power, corruption, deception, breach of contract, conflict of interest, and emotional and reputational damages.'
Harfouch's most serious allegation came in his formal warning to 'all past and current judges' that 'participation in the final jury of Miss Universe may legally implicate them in an act of global-scale fraud.' He suggested that judges who participate despite knowledge of these allegations could be considered as 'knowingly participating in a manipulated outcome' with potential 'indirect legal consequences.'
Second Judge Resignation and Broader Context
The controversy deepened when a second judge, French soccer manager Claude Makélélé, announced his resignation hours after Harfouch. While Makélélé cited 'unforeseen personal reasons' for his departure, the timing raised questions about whether the two resignations were connected.
This incident follows recent turmoil within the Miss Universe organization, including a controversial incident during a sashing ceremony where Miss Universe Mexico, Fátima Bosch, was reprimanded by executive director Nawat Itsaragrisil, leading to several contestants walking out in solidarity. The organization had previously restricted Itsaragrisil's participation in competition events following that incident.
Implications for Pageant Integrity
The allegations and subsequent resignations raise fundamental questions about the integrity of international pageant competitions. Harfouch's claims, if substantiated, would represent a significant breach of trust in an institution that positions itself as promoting empowerment, diversity, and excellence. The situation highlights the importance of transparent judging processes in competitions that carry global recognition and significant career implications for participants.
As the Miss Universe Organization prepares for its 74th competition, these developments cast a shadow over the event's credibility. The organization faces the challenge of maintaining public confidence while addressing serious allegations from a former official judge. The outcome of any potential legal proceedings and the organization's ability to demonstrate transparent processes will be crucial for restoring trust in the competition's integrity.
