Key Points
- Two judges, Omar Harfouch and Claude Makélélé, resigned from Miss Universe 2025 jury panel days before November 22 finale in Mexico City
- Harfouch alleged “impromptu jury” with personal relationships to contestants pre-selected Top 30, claiming conflict of interest and lack of transparency
- Harfouch resigned after “disrespectful conversation” with Miss Universe CEO Raul Rocha and announced he will not perform his composed music at event
- Claude Makélélé cited personal reasons for resignation, expressed regret and respect for Miss Universe values in Instagram post
- Miss Universe Organization denied all allegations, stated transparent protocols followed, and banned Harfouch from brand association
The Miss Universe 2025 competition has been embroiled in unprecedented controversy even before the finale, raising serious questions about the competition’s fairness and integrity. Two prominent judges from the jury panel have resigned in quick succession, sending shockwaves through the pageant world just days before the 74th edition’s grand finale scheduled for November 22, 2025 in Mexico City. One of these judges, Omar Harfouch, a Lebanese pianist and composer serving as global music director for Miss Universe, shared an explosive video on social media, making sensational claims of fraud, rigging, and “conflict of interest” within the judging process.
Meanwhile, another judge, Claude Makélélé, the legendary French football midfielder turned manager, announced his resignation without providing any detailed explanation, citing only personal reasons in a cryptic Instagram post. The back-to-back resignations have plunged the organization into crisis mode, with pageant enthusiasts and contestants questioning the legitimacy of the competition.
Judge Alleges Impromptu Jury with Personal Relationships to Contestants
Omar Harfouch directly alleged in his Instagram video that an “impromptu jury” with undisclosed members has been making key decisions about contestant advancement. He claimed, “The unofficial judging panel includes individuals who have personal relationships with some of the Miss Universe contestants, including those responsible for vote counting and result management”. Harfouch asserted that such personal relationships could create a severe conflict of interest in the competition, undermining its credibility and fairness.
In his video statement, Harfouch specifically alleged that the Top 30 contestants advancing to the next round had been “pre-selected” by this impromptu jury rather than chosen through the transparent evaluation process promised to participants and the public. He expressed deep concern that the selection process lacked proper oversight and accountability, stating that he could not in good conscience continue as a judge under these circumstances.
Resignation After Disrespectful Conversation with CEO
Harfouch further stated that he resigned following a “disrespectful conversation” with Miss Universe CEO Raul Rocha, during which he raised the issue of a lack of transparency in the voting process. He stated that he refused to be a part of what he called “this drama” and would not compromise his professional integrity by remaining silent about the ethical concerns he had witnessed.
In a dramatic gesture emphasizing his complete break with the organization, Harfouch announced that he has decided not to play the music he composed specifically for the Miss Universe 2025 event, depriving the pageant of original artistic content he had created. This decision underscores the depth of the rift between Harfouch and the Miss Universe Organization leadership.
Claude Makélélé Cites Personal Reasons, Expresses Regret
French football manager and former professional midfielder Claude Makélélé, who enjoyed a distinguished career with clubs including Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain, has also resigned from the judging panel. He expressed “regret” in an Instagram post announcing his inability to attend the event due to personal reasons, although he also stated that he continues to respect Miss Universe’s stated values of empowerment, diversity, and excellence.
In his resignation statement, Makélélé wrote, “I regret to inform you that due to some personal reasons, I will not be able to participate in the Miss Universe 2025 event. This decision was not easy, as I respect Miss Universe and its values such as empowerment and diversity. I apologize to the organization, all contestants and people involved. I hope to reconnect in better times ahead. Thank you for your understanding and support”.
While Makélélé did not specify what personal reasons prompted his departure and did not make any allegations of impropriety, the timing of his resignation immediately following Harfouch’s explosive claims has fueled speculation that he may have had similar concerns but chose a more diplomatic exit.
Miss Universe Organization Denies All Allegations
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has categorically and forcefully denied Omar Harfouch’s allegations in their entirety. The MUO issued a formal statement asserting that all transparent protocols and established procedures are being followed meticulously in the judging and selection process. The organization maintained that the integrity of the competition remains intact and that contestant advancement is based solely on merit and performance.
In a stern response to Harfouch’s public accusations, MUO has banned Omar Harfouch permanently from being associated with the Miss Universe brand and prohibited him from using its trademarks in any capacity. This lifetime ban represents the organization’s most severe response, signaling that it views Harfouch’s allegations as not only false but also damaging to the pageant’s reputation.
The organization has not provided specific details about the judging process or addressed Harfouch’s claims point-by-point, instead issuing a blanket denial and emphasizing its commitment to transparency and fairness.
Additional Controversy: Executive Dismissed After Confrontation
Adding to the pageant’s troubles, Miss Universe executive Nawat Itsaragrisil was dismissed from his position earlier in November 2025 following a tense and disrespectful exchange with Miss Mexico 2025, Fátima Bosch. This incident, combined with the judge resignations, has created a crisis of confidence in the organization’s leadership and management.
The dismissal of a high-ranking executive for inappropriate conduct toward a contestant, followed immediately by judge resignations alleging systemic problems, has painted a troubling picture of internal dysfunction within the Miss Universe Organization.
Impact on Competition and Contestants
The 74th Miss Universe 2025 pageant is scheduled to proceed as planned on November 22, 2025 in Mexico City, despite the mounting controversies. India is being represented by Miss Universe India 2025 Manika Vishwakarma, who has been consistently impressing audiences and judges with her walk, looks, and overall presentation. Indian fans remain hopeful that Manika will bring home the Miss Universe crown despite the ongoing organizational turmoil.
The controversy has cast a shadow over what should be a celebration of the contestants’ hard work, dedication, and achievements. Many observers have expressed concern that the legitimate accomplishments of the finalists may be overshadowed by questions about the fairness and transparency of the judging process.
Questions About Pageant’s Future and Credibility
The twin resignations and explosive allegations have raised fundamental questions about the Miss Universe Organization’s governance, transparency, and commitment to fair competition. Critics are demanding that MUO provide detailed information about its judging protocols, explain how judges are selected and supervised, and address the specific allegations made by Harfouch.
As the pageant approaches its finale, the controversy shows no signs of abating, with social media users, pageant experts, and former contestants weighing in on the allegations and calling for greater accountability and transparency in the selection process. The outcome of this crisis could have lasting implications for the Miss Universe brand and its credibility in the global pageant community.
