Overview
- Judge Omar Harfouch resigned, alleging an impromptu, conflicted group secretly preselected the Top 30 without the official panel.
- The Miss Universe Organization rejected the claims, barred Harfouch from using its branding, and reiterated that established, supervised scoring protocols govern selection.
- Former footballer Claude Makélélé also withdrew citing unforeseen personal reasons, Princess Camilla di Borbone later dropped out, and MUO named replacement judges Natalie Glebova, Miniyothabo Francisca Baloyi and Louie Heredia.
- An earlier livestreamed confrontation saw Thai director Nawat Itsaragrisil berate Miss Mexico, triggering a contestant walkout and leading MUO to restrict his participation after his apology.
- Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry was hospitalized after a preliminary-stage fall, with the MUO president saying she sustained no broken bones and was under good care.