Two judges have withdrawn from the Miss Universe panel ahead of the competition in Thailand, with one alleging the selection process has been compromised. Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch claimed on Instagram that an unauthorized panel with potential conflicts of interest had chosen 30 finalists from 136 contestants without involvement from the official eight-member jury.
The Miss Universe Organisation rejected the accusations, stating no external group holds authority to evaluate participants or determine finalists. Officials suggested Harfouch may have confused the Beyond the Crown social impact initiative, which operates separately with its own selection committee, with the main competition jury. Former French footballer Claude Makelele also resigned, attributing his departure to unexpected personal circumstances.
The controversy follows recent turmoil after Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly criticized Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch at a promotional event, prompting multiple contestants to exit. The organization subsequently dispatched international executives to oversee the competition.
The Miss Universe Organisation rejected the accusations, stating no external group holds authority to evaluate participants or determine finalists. Officials suggested Harfouch may have confused the Beyond the Crown social impact initiative, which operates separately with its own selection committee, with the main competition jury. Former French footballer Claude Makelele also resigned, attributing his departure to unexpected personal circumstances.
The controversy follows recent turmoil after Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly criticized Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch at a promotional event, prompting multiple contestants to exit. The organization subsequently dispatched international executives to oversee the competition.
