The Miss Universe 2025 pageant faced a dramatic twist when a judge abruptly resigned just days before the event, alleging that the finalists were pre-chosen by an unauthorized jury. Omar Harfouch, a judge, expressed his confusion and concern on Instagram, revealing his decision to withdraw. He claimed that an impromptu jury, composed of individuals with potential conflicts of interest, had selected the 30 finalists without the presence of the official judges, including himself. This preliminary selection was conducted without transparency, causing further controversy. Harfouch’s concerns led to a heated conversation with Raul Rocha, the president of the Miss Universe organization, resulting in his resignation. The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) responded, clarifying that no unauthorized jury was formed and that the selection process followed their established protocols. However, Harfouch’s allegations persisted, leading him to consult a law firm for potential legal action against the organization. He accused the MUO of fraud, abuse of power, and conflict of interest, emphasizing the emotional and reputational damage caused. A second judge, Claude Makélélé, also resigned due to personal reasons, adding to the turmoil. The pageant’s internal issues come to light after a public reprimand of Miss Universe Mexico, Fátima Bosch, by the executive director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, during a sashing ceremony. This incident sparked a walkout by several contestants, highlighting the ongoing tensions and controversies surrounding the Miss Universe organization.