Hours before the Miss Universe 2025 competition, CEO Raúl Rocha addressed several controversies that emerged in the days leading up to the event. These included the resignation of judge Omar Harfouch.
Speaking on the Telemundo morning show “Hoy Día,” Rocha emphasized the organization’s commitment to transparency. He stated they must confront controversies, even internal ones, to defend the organization’s values and clear vision.
Rocha affirmed that the system used for judging is “extremely transparent.”
French-Lebanese businessman Omar Harfouch resigned from the judging panel, citing alleged irregularities in the selection of 30 candidates from 136 delegates. He claimed on social media that voters not part of the official panel participated, and some votes were recorded without participation.
Harfouch stated he could not legitimize a vote in which he never participated. He believed the public would assume he endorsed decisions he did not.
In response to Harfouch’s statements and resignation, Rocha asserted that Harfouch created confusion to “obtain two minutes of fame.” Rocha clarified that eight judges belong to the “Beyond the Crown” program.
This philanthropic program involves candidates presenting social objectives in their communities. The judges for this program have a distinct profile from the main competition judges.
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) released an official statement regarding the situation. It clarified that Harfouch’s comments “erroneously suggested that an unauthorized or improvised jury had been formed.”
The MUO firmly stated that no improvised jury was created. No external group was authorized to evaluate candidates or select finalists. All contest evaluations follow established, transparent, and supervised protocols.
The MUO respectfully acknowledged Harfouch’s resignation.
The Miss Universe 2025 judging panel includes Andrea Meza (Miss Universe 2020), Brazilian artist Romero Britto, Venezuelan model Sharon Fonseca, Cuban journalist Ismael Cala, Indian badminton player Saina Nehwal, Thai physician and Miss Thailand 1998 Chalida Thaochalee, and Filipino singer Louie Heredia. Heredia replaced Harfouch.
Former French footballer Claude Makélélé also resigned from the judging staff. He cited “unforeseen personal reasons” on his Instagram account.
Makélélé added that the platform represents empowerment, diversity, and excellence, values he has always upheld.