Miss Universe Pageant Faces Turmoil as Judges Resign

The Miss Universe pageant is engulfed in controversy following the resignations of two judges, former footballer Claude Makelele and composer Omar Harfouch, just days before the highly anticipated finale. Their departures come amid allegations of misconduct and concerns over the integrity of the judging process.

This year’s competition has been marred by issues that began when Nawat Itsaragrisil, director of Miss Universe Thailand, was filmed reprimanding contestants and reportedly referring to Miss Universe Mexico, Fatima Bosch, in derogatory terms—an accusation he has denied. The situation escalated further when Harfouch took to social media to announce his exit from the judging panel, claiming that the selection process was compromised.

In a detailed Instagram post on November 18, Harfouch accused the organizers of holding a “secret vote” to determine the top 30 contestants. He alleged that this vote involved individuals not officially recognized as judges, including at least one person who had a personal relationship with a contestant, which he described as a serious conflict of interest. He warned that current and former judges could face legal implications for their involvement in what he termed “global-scale fraud.”

The day following Harfouch’s announcement, Makelele also stepped down, citing “unforeseen personal reasons.” He expressed his respect for the Miss Universe platform, stating that it embodies empowerment, diversity, and excellence—principles he has always championed. Makelele offered apologies to the organization, the contestants, and all involved, expressing hope for future contributions under better circumstances.

In response to the accusations, the Miss Universe Organization issued a statement clarifying that no unauthorized jury had been created. They emphasized that the individuals Harfouch referred to were part of the Beyond the Crown Program, an initiative focused on social impact that operates independently from the official judging panel. According to the organization, this program is designed to promote leadership, service, education, health, and charity, maintaining a clear separation from the competition itself.

As the pageant prepares for its final event on November 21, 2023, in Thailand, the integrity of the competition remains under scrutiny. The fallout from this controversy raises significant questions about the future of the Miss Universe brand and its commitment to fair practices.

The organization’s response and the current situation will undoubtedly resonate within the beauty industry and beyond, as stakeholders await further developments in this unfolding drama.