Overview
- Omar Harfouch announced on Nov. 18 that he resigned from the judging panel three days before the Nov. 21 final in Bangkok.
- He alleged an “impromptu jury” secretly chose 30 finalists from 136 entrants and included individuals with potential conflicts, including the person handling vote counting.
- The Miss Universe Organization issued a formal statement rejecting his assertions and stating no external group was authorized to evaluate delegates or select finalists.
- The organization acknowledged his withdrawal and barred him from using or associating with Miss Universe trademarks and properties.
- An anonymous contestant told People that many participants learned of the alleged pre-selection via social media and described the news as heartbreaking, while the competition remains scheduled in Thailand.