The controversy between Yamilex Hernandez, a prominent contestant, and judge Omar Harfouch erupted after the final on 30/5 in Thailand. After returning home, Yamilex posted about her Miss Grand All Stars experience, including criticism of musician Omar, one of the eight judges. He had previously given her 7 points in the evening gown round.

"Your score might have prevented me from entering the top 5, and that is your right as a judge," she stated. "Recently, you said you didn't remember who I was, but I believe thousands of people worldwide followed my journey, and more importantly, the fairness of the other judges."

Yamilex also implied that Omar Harfouch's monthly Spotify streams were fewer than her supporters at the competition. "I left the competition with my head held high," she added. "No score can take away what I have achieved, and most importantly, the love I received."

Judge Omar and beauty queen Yamilex. *Instagram Omar Harfouch/Yamilex Hernandez*.

On 2/6, Omar Harfouch countered the Dominican Republic beauty queen via Instagram, where he has over three million followers. "The 7 points I gave you were actually very high," he stated. "What you have done recently, along with the wave of attacks and defamation aimed at me, only proves that my initial assessment was correct."

According to the musician, after the private interview round on 26/5, he sensed "aggression and hostility" in the contestant. "What is happening today only confirms that," the judge added. "A true beauty queen must represent respect, tolerance, integrity, humility, and leadership, not what she is currently displaying." He also expressed his wish for similar online attacks to cease.

The incident is currently a topic of discussion within the international beauty community on major forums such as Pageant Talk and The Pageant Press.

Yamilex Hernandez's evening gown catwalk at the Miss Grand All Stars final. *MGI*.

Omar Harfouch is a French-born businessman, musician, and producer, recognized for his outspoken statements and rigorous judging style. He was appointed to the Miss Universe 2025 judging panel but later resigned, citing a "lack of transparency" in the judging process. At Miss Grand International All Stars, he was perceived as strict by the public, sparking debate when he awarded many contestants only one or two points for their bare faces. Omar explained, "My scores are not momentary decisions but are consistent with what I observed while participating in the competition."

Yamilex Hernandez, 30, was among the prominent candidates, noted for her stage presence and impressive catwalk. Born in the Dominican Republic, she moved to the US at age 13. Before gaining fame, she graduated with honors in Communications and Film from Kean University. She stands 1,78 m tall with a balanced face, and previously placed in the top 15 at Miss International 2023 and the top 30 at Miss Universe 2025. Prior to the final, many major beauty websites included her in their top 10 predictions for the crown.

Yamilex Hernandez poses backstage at the semi-final, 27/5. *MGI*.

Miss Grand International All Stars was a lively event that garnered media attention but also faced several controversies. The competition is distinct from the original version, allowing contestants to register freely without needing approval from the MGI copyright holder. This platform offered an opportunity for beauty queens who had previously participated in international pageants, including transgender individuals, married women, and mothers, to compete.

The inaugural season featured 56 contestants, participating in various activities from 16/5 to 30/5. Vanessa Pulgarin of Colombia was crowned the winner.

Tan Cao