In a dramatic turn of events just days before the Miss Universe pageant, two judges have announced their resignations, citing allegations of a rigged selection process. Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch revealed his decision to quit the eight-member jury via Instagram, claiming that an 'impromptu jury' had pre-selected finalists for the upcoming competition set for November 21 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Harfouch accused the pageant's organizers of forming this unofficial jury without the involvement of any official judges, emphasizing that there appeared to be a conflict of interest regarding some contestants. Hours after his announcement, French football manager Claude Makélélé also stated that he would withdraw from the jury, citing personal reasons.
These resignations follow recent controversy, as several contestants had previously walked out of a pre-pageant event due to comments made by Thailand's pageant director. They protested against remarks that they felt undermined their value and dignity as contestants.
Harfouch's allegations have stirred significant dialogue regarding the integrity of the Miss Universe competition. He stated that he discovered the formation of the impromptu jury through social media and questioned its legitimacy in the selection of finalists from 136 participating countries.
The Miss Universe Organization promptly responded, denying Harfouch's claims and stating that no external group had been authorized to evaluate contestants. They suggested there might have been confusion regarding a separate initiative called 'Beyond the Crown', which operates independently from the main pageant.
This unfolding narrative has raised concerns over transparency in one of the world's most celebrated beauty pageants, as executives from the Miss Universe Organization have been dispatched to oversee the events amidst growing dissatisfaction.
