Miss Universe pageant draws attention amid relationship scandal, stage fall
The Miss Universe pageant continues to make headlines ahead of the final competition. Three pageant judges have dropped out days before the competition after news of a potential affair between a committee member and a contestant began circulating.
First judge drops out
Earlier this week, musician Omar Harfouch stepped down from the Miss Universe judging panel. He said he made the decision after discovering that an “impromptu jury” allegedly selected the top 30 finalists, and did not include the original eight members of the selection committee.
In a series of posts on social media, he said that the unofficial judging panel was “composed of individuals with a significant potential conflict of interest due to some [personal] relationships with some of the Miss Universe contestants, including the person responsible for counting the votes and managing the results, which constitutes a further conflict of interest.”
Following his comments, the organization responded by sharing a post on social media featuring all the committee members.
The post read, “This year’s committee brings global expertise, cultural insight, and a shared commitment to honoring women whose influence reaches far beyond the spotlight.”
In a separate statement shared with People, the organization said, “The Miss Universe Organization firmly clarifies that no impromptu jury has been created, that no external group has been authorized to evaluate delegates or select finalists, and that all competition evaluations continue to follow the established, transparent, and supervised MUO protocols.”
Two more judges depart
French soccer manager and former soccer pro Claude Makélélé has also stepped down from his role, citing “unforeseen personal reasons” for his departure.
“I sincerely apologise to the organisation, the contestants, and everyone involved, and I hope to be able to contribute in the future under better circumstances,” Makélélé wrote on Instagram.
A third judge, Princess Camilla di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, also stepped down, Harfouch told People. She has yet to confirm the news or provide a reason.
Miss Jamaica makes headlines
The controversy among judges is not the only aspect of the pageant making headlines. Miss Universe contestant Gabrielle Henry, representing Jamaica, was in the news this week after falling off the stage during the competition.
Officials confirmed she was taken to the hospital following the fall, but had no broken bones and is “under good care.”
Previous controversy
The latest news also comes just a few weeks after Miss Universe executive Nawat Itsaragrisil called Miss Mexico “dumb,” prompting some contestants to walk out.
The drama unfolded on Nov. 3, as the 122 delegates competing for the crown gathered. During the event, Nawat scolded Fátima Bosch, Miss Mexico, for not taking part in some promotional activities.
Nawat accused Bosch of listening to her national director from Mexico. He said, “If you follow the orders from your national director, you are a dumb head.”
He has since issued a public apology.
The Miss Universe finals are Nov. 21 in Thailand.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
