Miss Universe Judge Resigns Days Ahead of Pageant, Claims Top 30 Was Pre-Selected by ‘Impromptu Jury’.

Musician Omar Harfouch has announced his decision to resign from the Miss Universe judging panel just three days before the pageant will be held at Bangkok, Thailand on 21st November. On Tuesday, November 18th, he alleged that the pageant formed an “impromptu jury” to select finalists in several posts to his Instagram Stories

Harfouch also alleged that the clandestine selection committee was “composed of individuals with a significant potential conflict of interest due to some personal relationships with some of the Miss Universe contestants, including the person responsible for counting the votes and managing the results, which constitutes a further conflict of interest “. The Miss Universe Organisation denied the allegations in a statement.

Harfouch claimed that he learned about the selection committee via social media. He also claimed that none of the “real” 08 judges were present when the group convened. “The results of this selection are currently being kept secret“, the pianist wrote on his Instagram Stories.

He then claimed to have spoken with Miss Universe officials regarding his “disapproval of this preliminary selection“. Harfouch claimed that the pageant responded by rushing “to publish a list of names associated with the selection on their Instagram page“, though he notes that the post did not specify “the roles played by these individuals“.

He was likely referring to Miss Universe’s recent upload featuring a carousel of selection committee members, which was shared on Monday, November 17th. Harfouch was not one of the eight people included in the post, which was captioned, “Meet the inspiring members of the Beyond the Crown Selection Committee for the 74th Miss Universe Competition”.

The pageant’s response, Harfouch said, created “even greater confusion”. In a final Instagram Stories post, he concluded that he would not be participating in the upcoming Miss Universe competition.

“After having a disrespectful conversation with the CEO of Miss Universe Raul Rocha about the lack of transparency in the Miss Universe voting process, l decided to resign from the jury and refuse to be part of this charade“, Harfouch wrote. “I will also not be playing the music composed for the event“.

On November 18th, the Miss Universe Organisation posted a statement on the pageant’s official Instagram page, stating its intention to “clarify certain inaccuracies regarding the Beyond the Crown Program and the official judging processes of the 74th Miss Universe competition“.

The pageant claimed Harfouch’s comments shared on his Stories were incorrect. “The Miss Universe Organisation firmly clarifies that no impromptu jury has been created, that no external group has been authorized to evaluate delegates or select finalists, and that all competition evaluations continue to follow the established, transparent, and supervised MUO protocols“. the statement read.

PRESS RELEASE

MISS UNIVERSE

ORGANIZATION

New York, United States November 18, 2025

In light of recent public statements and social media posts, the Miss Universe Organization considers it necessary to clarify certain inaccuracies regarding the Beyond the Crown Program and the official judging processes of the 74th Miss Universe competition

On November 17, the Miss Universe Organization publicly released the official selection committee of the Beyond the Crown Program, an independent social impact initiative designed to promote leadership, service, education, health. inclusion, and meaningful support for charitable causes. This program operates entirely separately from the Miss Universe competition and from the official judging panel

Following this announcement. Mr. Omar Harfuch, who had previously agreed to serve as one of the eight official members of the Miss Universe judging panel. published a statement expressing confusion and claiming lack of understanding regarding the scope and nature of a social impact program such as Beyond the Crown. His comments incorrectly suggested that an unauthorized or impromptu jury had been formed and that the official judges had been excluded from the selection of finalists.

The Miss Universe Organization firmly clarifies that no impromptu jury has been created, that no external group has been authorized to evaluate delegates or select finalists, and that all competition evaluations continue to follow the established, transparent, and supervised MUD protocols.

Given Mr. Harfuch’s expressed confusion, his public mischaracterization of the program, and his stated desire not to participate, the Miss Universe Organization respectfully acknowledges his withdrawal from the official judging panel.

Effective immediately, Mr. Harfuch is prohibited from using, displaying, referencing or associating himself with any Miss Universe trademarks, service marks, logos titles, or registered properties, in any format, medium, or communication, whether digital, written, or verbal. Any continued use will be considered unauthorized a subject to the applicable legal actions and protections afforded to the Mis Universe Organization.

All procedures remain governed by the organization’s highest standards o transparency, integrity, and fairness.

The Miss Universe Organization encourages the public, media outlets, and fan worldwide to rely solely on verified MUO communications and to continue supporting the delegates whose leadership, service, and dedication reflect the true values of Miss Universe.

Indian Participant: Manika Vishwakarma who is representing India in this version of the pageant is widely acclaimed as a: Blending intellect, creativity, and purpose, Manika is a political science student, award-winning artist, and advocate for neurodiversity through her initiative Neuronova. She represents India with grace and determination, using her platform to promote inclusive education, mental wellness, and the power of artistic expression.

Manika Vishwakarma is a medical professional who volunteers in rural clinics to expand women’s healthcare access.

Team Maverick