The Miss Universe 2025 judging panel has experienced a series of high-profile resignations. These departures have sparked controversy and raised questions about the integrity of the upcoming global beauty pageant. The Organization Miss Universe (MUO) initially announced an eight-member jury.
This panel included Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza, Brazilian artist Romero Britto, Venezuelan model Sharon Fonseca, and Cuban journalist Ismael Cala. Also on the list were Indian badminton player Saina Nehwal, Thai doctor Chalida Thaochalee, French-Lebanese businessman Omar Harfouch, and former French footballer Claude Makélélé.
The first significant departure was Omar Harfouch. The businessman and pianist resigned controversially, alleging irregularities in the selection process.
Harfouch claimed that unofficial voters were involved in choosing 30 candidates from the 136 delegates. He stated that some votes were even registered without the participating individuals being present.
“I cannot stand before the public and cameras pretending to legitimize a vote in which I never participated, it would be dishonest,” Harfouch declared on his social media. He added that he could not be held responsible for decisions he did not endorse.
The Miss Universe Organization promptly issued a press release to counter Harfouch’s claims. The MUO described his statements as "erroneous."
The organization clarified that "no improvised jury has been created" and no external groups were authorized to evaluate candidates. All evaluations adhere to established, transparent protocols supervised by the MUO.
Raúl Rocha, CEO of Miss Universe, also commented on the situation. He suggested that Harfouch’s statements were an attempt "to get two minutes of fame."
Following Harfouch’s resignation, Claude Makélélé also stepped down from the judging panel. The former French footballer announced his departure on Instagram, citing "unforeseen personal reasons."
Makélélé affirmed his commitment to the pageant’s values. He wrote, "The platform represents empowerment, diversity, and excellence, values that I have always defended throughout my career."
The third resignation came from Princess Camilla of Bourbon-Two Sicilies. The president of the Miss Universe selection committee also left her post. Her departure was reported by People magazine.
These three resignations have created notable instability within the judging body. In response, Filipino singer Louie Heredia has been appointed to replace Omar Harfouch on the panel.