Miss Universe 2025: Judge Resignations and Contestant Injury Raise Concerns

The upcoming Miss Universe 2025 pageant, scheduled for November 21 in Bangkok, Thailand, is engulfed in controversy due to several unexpected occurrences. Just before the grand event, three judges, including Princess Camilla di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, president of the selection committee, Omar Harfouch, and French football manager Claude Makélélé, resigned from their positions, raising serious questions about the fairness of the competition.

Princess Camilla stepped down merely two days prior to the finals, citing unspecified reasons, which followed Omar Harfouch's resignation. He had criticized the pageant's selection process, alleging that an "impromptu jury" had pre-selected the top 30 contestants, thus circumventing the original eight judges. This jury was said to have connections to some participants, igniting worries over impartiality. Harfouch stated that he could not "play with the destiny of young girls" and felt his concerns were ignored by the Miss Universe CEO.

Claude Makélélé also withdrew, citing "unforeseen personal reasons." The abrupt exit of these key judges has overshadowed the pageant and sparked discussions among participants and the media on the integrity of the judging process.

In a further setback, Miss Jamaica, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, experienced a fall from the stage during the preliminary event on November 19. She was swiftly taken to the hospital. Fortunately, reports indicate she did not sustain life-threatening injuries, but her participation in the finals remains uncertain, adding to the event's challenges.

Tensions had already been escalating prior to these events. Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, reportedly clashed with pageant organizer Nawat Itsaragrisil during a livestream after missing a scheduled photoshoot. Witnesses claimed she was called "dumb" by the organizer, prompting walkouts by several contestants in solidarity. Such incidents have raised ongoing concerns regarding contestant treatment and overall pageant management.

Despite these controversies, the Miss Universe Organization has assured fans that the finale on November 21 will go ahead as planned. Officials have committed to ensuring that the event will retain its expected glamour and entertainment, notwithstanding recent setbacks.

With the resignations of judges, allegations of bias, contestant injuries, and prior disputes, the Miss Universe 2025 pageant finds itself embroiled in one of the most discussed editions in recent years. Observers are keenly watching how the organization navigates these challenges and whether the competition's integrity can be upheld during the finale.