Entertainment fans are discussing the recent drama surrounding the Miss Universe pageant. Judge Omar Harfouch announced his departure, citing a “lack of transparency” in the voting process.
Harfouch, 56, revealed his exit on Instagram stories on Tuesday, November 18. He claimed an “improvised jury” was formed to select the top 30 finalists from 136 participating countries.
According to Harfouch, none of the “eight actual jury members,” including himself, were present for this crucial selection stage. He expressed “deep confusion and concern” over the decision.
The composer further alleged that Miss Universe kept the results of this preliminary selection “secret.” He stated that the “unofficial jury” included individuals with a “potential significant conflict of interest.”
These individuals allegedly had personal relationships with some of the Miss Universe contestants. Harfouch also claimed the person responsible for counting votes and managing results had a connection to the contestants.
He informed the Miss Universe committee of his “disapproval of this preliminary selection” on Monday, November 17. Harfouch stated this prompted the organization to quickly post a list of names on its Instagram page.
The committee did not specify the roles of these individuals, which Harfouch said added to the confusion. He withdrew from the international competition three days before he was scheduled to judge in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, November 21.
Harfouch said he had a “disrespectful conversation with Miss Universe CEO Raul Rocha” regarding the voting transparency. He declared he would “refuse to be part of this farce” and would not perform music composed for the event.
The Miss Universe Organization issued its own statement on Tuesday, November 18. It aimed to clarify “certain inaccuracies” circulating about its “Beyond the Crown Program.”
This program, an “independent social impact initiative,” promotes leadership, service, education, health, and charitable causes. It was announced via social media on Monday.
The organization stated that the Beyond the Crown Program’s panel operates “entirely independent of the Miss Universe pageant.” This includes its jury.
Miss Universe claimed Harfouch’s comments “suggested erroneously” that an unauthorized jury had been formed. They also said he misrepresented that official judges were excluded from selecting finalists.
The organization insisted “no improvised jury has been created.” It affirmed the pageant follows “established, transparent protocols” overseen by the Miss Universe organization.
Given Harfouch’s public misrepresentation and desire not to participate, Miss Universe “respectfully acknowledges his withdrawal.”
The organization added that Harfouch is now “prohibited from using, displaying, referring to or associating with any trademark, service mark, logo” of Miss Universe. They concluded that all procedures maintain the highest standards of transparency, integrity, and impartiality.