Two miss universe judges quit as rigging allegations rock pageant

Two Miss Universe judges have resigned just days before the global pageant, with one accusing organisers of rigging the selection process.

Lebanese-French musician, Omar Harfouch, who announced his resignation from the eight-member jury on Instagram, alleged that an “impromptu jury” had pre-selected finalists ahead of Friday’s competition in Thailand.

The BBC reports that hours later, French football manager Claude Makélélé also stepped down, citing “unforeseen personal reasons”.

The developments come two weeks after several Miss Universe contestants walked out of a pre-pageant event over controversial remarks made by an official from host country Thailand.

“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,” Harfouch wrote, adding that he learned of the move via social media.

He claimed the unofficial group included “individuals with a significant potential conflict of interest due to some personal relationships with some of the Miss Universe contestants.” Harfouch did not specify how this panel would function or override the official jury.

The Miss Universe Organisation on Tuesday rejected his claims, insisting “no external group had been authorised to evaluate delegates or select finalists”.

It suggested Harfouch might have been referring to the Beyond the Crown programme — a “social impact initiative” operating independently from the competition with its own selection committee. The organisation said his allegations “mischaracterised” the programme.

Makélélé, who also announced his resignation on Instagram, described it as a “difficult decision,” adding: “I hold Miss Universe in the highest regard. The platform represents empowerment, diversity, and excellence — values I have always championed throughout my career.”

Earlier this month, the pageant faced backlash after its Thailand Director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, publicly berated Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, for not sharing promotional content on social media. Viral videos showed Bosch and other contestants walking out, with some shouting at Nawat.

Although he later said his comments were misunderstood, the uproar prompted a stern rebuke from the Miss Universe Organisation, which has since deployed a team of international executives to take over management of the event.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.