Second Miss Universe Judge Resigns Days Before Pageant: ‘Thank You for Your Understanding’

Second Miss Universe Judge Resigns Shortly Before Pageant

French soccer icon Claude Makélélé has announced his resignation as a judge for the upcoming Miss Universe pageant, just days before the event is set to take place in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, November 21. Makélélé, in a statement shared on his Instagram account on Tuesday, November 18, expressed his regret at not being able to attend the Miss Universe 2025 event and thanked everyone for their understanding and support.

The announcement from Makélélé comes shortly after another judge, musician Omar Harfouch, also resigned, citing concerns over the selection process of the finalists. Harfouch took to Instagram to express his confusion and unease about an alleged “impromptu jury” that was involved in choosing the top 30 contestants from the 136 countries originally meant to participate in the pageant.

The controversy surrounding the judging panel has sparked discussions about transparency and fairness in the selection process of the Miss Universe competition. Harfouch’s claims of irregularities in the judging process have raised questions about the independence and integrity of the competition, leading to his decision to withdraw from the event and refuse to participate in any capacity.

Following Harfouch’s public statements, the Miss Universe Organization released a statement addressing the concerns raised by the former judge. The organization clarified that no unauthorized or external group had been involved in evaluating the delegates or selecting the finalists, emphasizing that the competition’s evaluations were conducted in accordance with established protocols under strict supervision to ensure transparency.

In response to the unfolding controversy, the Miss Universe Organization has taken a firm stance by acknowledging Harfouch’s withdrawal from the official judging panel and prohibiting him from associating himself with any Miss Universe trademarks or properties. The organization has urged the public, media outlets, and fans to rely only on verified communications from the Miss Universe Organization to avoid misinformation or misrepresentations of the competition.

The recent developments in the lead-up to the Miss Universe pageant have cast a shadow over the event, with concerns about the credibility and integrity of the judging process taking center stage. As the competition date draws near, the Miss Universe Organization faces the challenge of addressing the fallout from the resignations of two judges and restoring trust in the transparency and fairness of one of the world’s most prestigious beauty pageants.

The controversies surrounding the judge resignations come on the heels of a viral video showcasing a tense exchange between pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil and Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch, highlighting the high stakes and pressures associated with the Miss Universe competition. The unfolding drama in the lead-up to the event underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in organizing a global pageant that aims to celebrate beauty, diversity, and empowerment.

As the Miss Universe 2025 pageant approaches, all eyes will be on how the organizers navigate the fallout from the judge resignations and ensure that the competition upholds its values of integrity, fairness, and inclusivity. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of transparent and accountable processes in the world of beauty pageants, where scrutiny and public interest are heightened, and the stakes for contestants are as high as ever.