Fresh controversy has erupted over the Miss Universe 2025 pageant after one former judge claimed that the pageant’s final results were influenced behind the scenes.
The former judge, Omar Harfouch, along with multiple other judges quit the pageant days before Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch was crowned Miss Universe 2025, with Omar calling the competition “rigged”.
Miss Universe scandal: ‘Secret vote held’
Omar announced via his Instagram Stories, that he was “profoundly confused and concerned” that an ‘impromptu jury’ was formed to secretly vote and choose 30 finalists from the 136 countries meant to participate, People reported.
“Many of these women come from humble backgrounds. They invest everything, emotionally, financially and physically, for a chance to shine. When the process is manipulated behind closed doors it’s not just unfair, it’s harmful. It tells young women that no matter how hard they work, someone’s connections or private influence may count more than their voice, talent, or beauty. That’s not empowerment, it’s betrayal,” Omar told People.
‘Fatima is a fake winner’
Omar also said he had declared 24 hours before the finals that Fatima would be crowned the winner, alleging that Fatima’s father has financial ties with Miss Universe owner Raul Rocha.
“Raul had asked to me vote for Fatima, as she will be good for our business,” Omar said in an Instagram post.
Which other judges quit contest?
French football manager Claude Makélélé had also announced he would not serve as a judge in an Instagram post, writing, “Regretfully, I will not be attending Miss Universe 2025. Thank you for your understanding and support,” adding in the caption that it was “due to unforeseen personal reasons.”
According to Omar, Princess Camilla di Borbone delle Due Sicilie from the Miss Universe selection committee also dropped out of the pageant two days before the pageant was due to take place.
Both of them, however, did not specify their reasons for backing out of the contest.
Miss Universe Organization denies allegations
In a statement, Miss Universe Organization (MUO) remarked that no independent or impromptu jury had been formed to evaluate the finalists and that all competition evaluations “continue to follow the established, transparent, and supervised pageant protocols”.
Fatima defeated over 100 contestants to bag the 74th Miss Universe title, while Thailand’s Praveenar Singh bagged the title for first Runner Up.
