Post by : Meena Ariff

The upcoming Miss Universe 2025 pageant, scheduled for November 21 in Bangkok, Thailand, is facing turbulence with a series of unexpected controversies. Just before the grand finale, three judges, including Princess Camilla di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, the head of the judging panel, Omar Harfouch, and renowned French soccer manager Claude Makélélé, have resigned, raising alarms about fairness and the integrity of the competition.

Only two days prior to the finals, Princess Camilla stepped down from her judging position for reasons not disclosed. Her resignation followed that of Omar Harfouch, a musician and former judge, who openly criticized the selection process, alleging that an "impromptu jury" was responsible for choosing the top 30 contestants, thereby circumventing the original eight judges. Harfouch pointed out that some jury members had personal connections with the contestants, igniting questions about impartiality. He mentioned that he could not "play with the destiny of young girls" and felt his concerns were disregarded during discussions with the Miss Universe CEO.

Subsequently, Claude Makélélé also stepped down, citing "unforeseen personal reasons." The exit of these prominent figures has led to increased scrutiny from fans and media regarding the judging process's integrity.

The situation worsened as Miss Jamaica, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, experienced a dramatic fall from the stage during the preliminary rounds on November 19. She was taken to a medical facility but is confirmed to have no life-threatening injuries, although her participation in the finals remains in doubt, adding to the event's uncertainties.

Previous tensions had already emerged during a livestream, where Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, reportedly had a heated exchange with organizer Nawat Itsaragrisil after being late for a photo session. Witnesses claimed the organizer referred to her as "dumb," prompting several contestants to protest and walk out in solidarity. Such incidents have fueled ongoing concerns about participant treatment and the pageant's overall management.

Despite these controversies, Miss Universe Organization officials have assured the public that the finale will proceed as scheduled on November 21, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining a high standard of entertainment and glamour amidst the disruptions.

With the resignation of judges, allegations of bias, injuries among contestants, and previous disputes, the Miss Universe 2025 pageant is shaping up to be one of the most compelling and discussed editions in recent memory. Observers are keen to see how the organization navigates these challenges and if the competition's integrity can be upheld through to the final event.

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