Overview
- Composer Omar Harfouch resigned from the eight‑member jury, alleging an 'impromptu jury' secretly pre‑selected the Top 30 and citing conflicts of interest involving personal ties to contestants.
- The Miss Universe Organization denied any unauthorized jury, said all evaluations follow established protocols, and barred Harfouch from using the brand’s trademarks.
- Harfouch said he consulted a New York law firm to explore legal action that could include claims of fraud, abuse of power, and reputational damages.
- Former footballer Claude Makélélé also withdrew from judging, stating he could not participate due to unforeseen personal reasons.
- Some contestants told reporters they learned of a purported preliminary Top 30 via social media and called it heartbreaking, while the final remains scheduled for Nov. 21 near Bangkok.