Miss Universe 2025 Faces Judge Resignations and Contestant Injury Drama

The Miss Universe 2025 pageant, set to take place in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 21, has been overshadowed by a series of unexpected events and controversies. Just days before the grand finale, three judges, including Princess Camilla di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, president of the Miss Universe selection committee, Omar Harfouch, and French soccer manager Claude Makélélé, resigned from the panel, raising questions about fairness and transparency in the competition.

Princess Camilla di Borbone delle Due Sicilie stepped down from her judging role only two days before the finals, citing unspecified reasons. Her exit followed the resignation of Omar Harfouch, a musician and former judge, who publicly criticized the pageant's selection process. Harfouch alleged that an "impromptu jury" had pre-selected the top 30 contestants, bypassing the original eight judges. He claimed that this jury included individuals with personal relationships to some contestants, raising serious concerns about the impartiality of the competition. Harfouch stated that he could not "play with the destiny of young girls" and expressed that his concerns were dismissed when discussed with the Miss Universe CEO.

Following Omar’s resignation, Claude Makélélé also withdrew from the judging panel, citing "unforeseen personal reasons." The sudden departure of three prominent judges has cast a shadow over the pageant, prompting discussions among fans and media about the integrity of the judging process.

Adding to the pageant's challenges, Miss Jamaica, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, suffered a dramatic fall from the stage during the preliminary competition on November 19. She was immediately rushed to a hospital. Fortunately, reports confirm that she does not have any life-threatening injuries, but her ability to participate in the November 21 finals remains uncertain, creating further uncertainty around the event.

Earlier controversies had already stirred tensions. During a livestreamed event, Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, reportedly clashed with pageant organizer Nawat Itsaragrisil after missing a scheduled photoshoot. According to witnesses, she was allegedly called "dumb" by the organizer, which led to a protest walkout by several contestants in solidarity. These incidents highlighted ongoing concerns about the treatment of participants and the overall management of the pageant.

Despite the series of controversies, the Miss Universe Organization has reassured fans and participants that the finale on November 21 will proceed as planned. Officials emphasized that the event will maintain its standard of glamour and entertainment, despite the recent disruptions.

The combination of judge resignations, allegations of unfair selection, contestant injuries, and prior disputes has created a tense atmosphere around the Miss Universe 2025 pageant, making it one of the most talked-about editions in recent history. Observers are now closely watching to see how the organization manages these crises and whether the integrity of the competition can be preserved in the final event.