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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Two Miss Universe 2025 judges resign ahead of finals

Two Miss Universe 2025 judges resign ahead of finals

Published Nov 19, 2025 07:27 am
Days before the finals of the 74th Miss Universe beauty pageant in Thailand, two judges of the prestigious beauty contest announced on social media that they had resigned. This is the first time two judges participating in the prestigious competition have resigned.
Some of the contestants for the 2025 Miss Universe Competition pose during a pre-pageant activity in Thailand. (Facebook)
Some of the contestants for the 2025 Miss Universe Competition pose during a pre-pageant activity in Thailand. (Facebook)
The two judges are Lebanese musician Omar Harfouch and French athlete Claude Makelele.
This comes as the Miss Universe pageant stages the national costume and preliminary competitions today, Nov. 19, in Bangkok, Thailand. The finals will be held on Friday, Nov. 21.
The preliminary competition will select the Top 30 candidates who will advance to the competition. The semi-finalists will also be announced on Friday.
In a series of Instagram Stories, Omar said he had a disrespectful conversation with Miss Universe owner Raul Rocha about the lack of transparency in the voting process.
Omar also said he won't be playing the music mainly composed for the event.
The musician also expressed concern about an impromptu jury formed to select the Top 30 finalists from among the participating countries "without the presence of eight real members of the jury."
A series of Instagram Stories from Omar Harfouch.
A series of Instagram Stories from Omar Harfouch.
On the other hand, Claude said he was resigning "due to unforeseen personal reasons."
"This was a difficult decision, as I hold Miss Universe in the highest regard," the athlete said.
Claude added, "I sincerely apologize to the organization and everyone involved, and I hope to be able to contribute in the future under better circumstances." His full statement:
"It is with regret that I must announce that I won’t be able to attend the Miss Universe 2025 event due to unforeseen personal reasons.
The official post of Claude Makelele on Facebook.
The official post of Claude Makelele on Facebook.
"This was a difficult decision, as I hold Miss Universe in the highest regard. The platform represents empowerment, diversity, and excellence — values I have always championed throughout my career.
"I sincerely apologise to the organization, the contestants, and everyone involved, and I hope to be able to contribute in the future under better circumstances.
"Thank you for your understanding and support," Claude wrote.
For almost three weeks now, the Miss Universe pageant has been rocked with controversies, including the walkout of some candidates during the sashing ceremony.
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