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Miss Universe Judge Quits just three days before the 2025 competition. Judge Omar Harfouch abruptly withdrew from the pageant. He alleged that an “impromptu jury” pre-selected the 30 finalists. Harfouch announced his withdrawal on Instagram. He expressed profound confusion and deep concern. Harfouch learned of the selection via social media. The unofficial jury reportedly chose the finalists from 136 countries. None of the eight official jury members attended this selection. Harfouch noted the results remain secret.
Allegations of Conflict of Interest
Harfouch claimed the unofficial jury had a major conflict of interest. He stated that some members had personal ties to contestants. This non-official group allegedly included the person managing vote counts. Harfouch called this a further conflict of interest. He confronted the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) committee. Harfouch disapproved of the preliminary selection process. The selection occurred without the eight official judges. The MUO then rushed to publish a list of names. They did not specify the role these individuals played. This action created even greater confusion.
MUO Denies Claims and Issues Threat
The MUO quickly issued a strong statement on Instagram. They sought to clarify inaccuracies regarding the judging process. The organization discussed their Beyond the Crown Program. They described it as an independent social impact initiative. It focuses on leadership, service, and education. MUO stated the program operates entirely separately from the competition.
The organization firmly denied Harfouch’s allegations. They confirmed no impromptu jury was ever created. They authorized no external group to select finalists. All competition evaluations follow established MUO protocols. The MUO protocols are transparent and supervised. The organization acknowledged Harfouch’s withdrawal due to his “expressed confusion.” They prohibited Harfouch from using or referencing any Miss Universe titles. The MUO threatened legal action for continued association. Miss Universe Judge Quits due to an alleged structural fraud.
Harfouch Retaliates with Legal Threat
Harfouch shared the MUO statement on his Instagram story. He noted the committee “just recognised” the pre-selection. Harfouch found the admission “absolutely hilarious.” He then consulted a top New York law firm. They will examine filing a formal complaint against the MUO. Potential claims include fraud, deception, and breach of contract. Harfouch cited conflict of interest and abuse of power.
He stated the illegitimate vote determined the Top 30. This happened before the official jury arrived. Harfouch noted at least one person had a personal, romantic relationship with a contestant. This constitutes clear and serious conflict of interest. He labeled the act “manipulation of an international competition.” Harfouch warned past and current judges formally. He said their future participation could implicate them in global-scale fraud.
Second Resignation and Past Incidents
A second judge resigned shortly after Harfouch’s announcement. French soccer manager Claude Makélélé withdrew from the panel. He cited unforeseen personal reasons for his departure. Makélélé expressed regret in his Instagram post. He holds Miss Universe in the highest regard. He hopes to contribute under better circumstances later.
These departures follow other recent organizational issues. Two weeks prior, an incident occurred at a sashing ceremony. Nawat Itsaragrisil, MUO executive director, reprimanded Miss Universe Mexico. Several contestants left the room in solidarity. The reigning Miss Universe, Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig, was among them. CEO Raúl Rocha restricted Itsaragrisil’s participation afterward. He aimed to prevent future incidents. Rocha affirmed he would not let the values of respect be violated. The ongoing controversy deepens questions about the pageant’s integrity. Further investigation is needed into the selection process. This major internal turmoil further overshadows the upcoming pageant.
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