Two prominent figures, former French footballer Claude Makelele and French-Lebanese musician Omar Harfouch, have withdrawn from the Miss Universe judging panel just days before the competition's semifinals. Harfouch cited a lack of transparency in the selection process, while Makelele attributed his departure to "unforeseen reasons".

Harfouch, 56, announced his resignation on Instagram on 18/11, accusing the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) of a flawed selection process. He expressed deep concern upon discovering an "improvised judging panel" was formed to select the top 30 from 121 delegates. Harfouch claimed that none of the eight main judges were part of this ad-hoc committee and that the results of this preliminary round remained confidential.

French former footballer Claude Makelele and French-Lebanese musician Omar Harfouch. *Photo: Miss Universe*

The musician further alleged that this unofficial panel included individuals with personal connections to certain contestants, including those managing vote counts and results, potentially creating conflicts of interest. Harfouch raised his objections with MUO regarding this preliminary selection. In response, the organization published a list of names involved in contestant selection on Instagram. However, Harfouch noted that the post did not specify each individual's role, which he felt "made the situation more confusing". According to People, he was likely referring to a series of posts on 17/11 introducing members of the "Beyond the Crown Selection Committee".

Concluding his announcement to withdraw, Harfouch stated, "After a disrespectful conversation with president Raul Rocha about the lack of transparency in the Miss Universe voting process, I decided to resign as a judge and not participate in this farce. I will also not perform my music at the event". On the same day, 18/11, MUO issued a statement on Instagram, refuting Harfouch's accusations as inaccurate. The organization stated, "Since Mr. Harfouch publicly misstated information about the program and chose not to continue, Miss Universe respects his decision to leave the judging panel". MUO also prohibited Omar Harfouch from associating his name with the Miss Universe brand in any capacity.

From left: musician Omar Harfouch, president Raul Rocha, and production director Nawat. *Photo: Missosology*

Meanwhile, Claude Makelele, 52, posted a brief message on Instagram on 18/11, stating his departure from the judging panel and non-attendance at the event due to "unforeseen reasons". He concluded his post with thanks and a request for understanding. International media attempts to contact the former footballer for further comment have been unsuccessful.

These withdrawals unfold amid a series of recent controversies for Miss Universe. On 4/11, a video widely circulated on Facebook showed production director Nawat Itsaragrisil in a tense discussion with Mexico's Fatima Bosch.

Prior to this, Nawat launched a photo voting campaign to select the top 10 contestants for a "special dinner and talk show". MUO quickly disavowed this initiative, deeming it unauthorized and a trademark infringement. The two parties exchanged counter-statements, with international media describing the situation as a "nascent power struggle" within the Miss Universe organization.

Tense behind-the-scenes interaction between Nawat and contestants, afternoon of 4/11.

The internal turmoil coincides with a significant leadership transition within MUO. According to Business Insider, Guatemala's Mario Bucaro has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO), replacing Anne Jakrajutatip. As global head, Bucaro is responsible for strategy, finance, international relations, and worldwide operations. Anne Jakrajutatip had previously stepped down from her senior executive role at JKN Global Group and as CEO of the Miss Universe Organization in June. Nawat Itsaragrisil was appointed Executive Director of MUO in April, tasked with organizing Miss Universe 2025.

This year's competition, themed 'Beyond the Crown', will culminate in the final on the evening of 21/11, where Miss Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark will crown her successor. Vietnam's representative, Nguyen Huong Giang, garnered international media attention after arriving in Thailand on 31/10 as the first transgender Asian contestant to participate in the pageant.

First held in 1952, Miss Universe remains one of the world's most-watched beauty pageants, with broadcast rights sold to 165 countries and territories. In recent years, the competition has implemented several rule changes to promote diversity, celebrating not only external beauty but also women's inner strength and healthy lifestyles. Since 2023, the Miss Universe organization has accepted married women and mothers as contestants.