Resigned Judge Claims Miss Universe Owner Pressured Him to Vote for Miss Mexico
Resigned Judge Claims Miss Universe Owner Pressured Him to Vote for Miss Mexico
A former Miss Universe judge alleges pressure to back Miss Mexico before the finale, fueling debates over pageant transparency.
A former Miss Universe judge, Omar Harfouch, says the pageant's owner pressured him to vote for Miss Mexico days before the finale, prompting his resignation from the selection committee. The allegation fuels a ongoing debate over transparency in the contest and how finalists are chosen. A replacement judge was appointed after Harfouch withdrew, and officials have repeatedly denied a secret or pre-determined panel guiding the results.
Fatima Bosch, representing Mexico, was crowned Miss Universe 2025—the 74th edition—amid a pageant week that saw a viral confrontation with a top pageant executive and walkouts by several contestants in Thailand. The ceremony's outcome has sparked renewed questions about governance and fair play in the event.
In response to the claims, Miss Universe organizers said the jurors were fully accountable and that there was no symbolic-only voting. They emphasized continued commitment to transparency and fair competition, even as supporters of the contestants call for independent verification of the judging process and clear criteria for scoring.
Cover image source: Miss Mexico Crowned Miss Universe 2 Weeks After Viral Confrontation with Pageant Executive Causes Contestants to Walk Out 🔗
