Miss Universe Judge Resigns, Citing ‘Secret Committee’ Finalist Selection
Omar Harfouch, a judge for the upcoming Miss Universe pageant, has officially announced his resignation. His decision comes amid concerns about a lack of transparency regarding the selection of finalists.
Controversy Surrounds Finalist Selection
The Miss Universe competition is set to take place on Friday in Bangkok, Thailand. Harfouch took to Instagram on Tuesday, expressing his bewilderment about what he described as an “impromptu jury.” This jury was reportedly responsible for choosing 30 finalists from among the 136 countries vying for the crown.
Allegations of a Secret Committee
Harfouch stated that the names of the individuals involved in this selection process were not disclosed, raising suspicions about potential conflicts of interest. He claimed that the judges who were supposed to assess the competitors were not involved in this secretive selection.
- Harfouch learned about the jury and its decisions through social media.
- He expressed concern that some members of the jury had personal connections to the contestants.
During his Instagram posts, Harfouch emphasized the need for transparency. He stated that he had communicated with Miss Universe officials about his concerns, resulting in a vague list of names being shared without clarification on each person’s role.
Miss Universe Organization Responds
Following Harfouch’s resignation announcement, the Miss Universe Organization released a statement addressing his claims. The organization clarified that no external jury had been authorized to select finalists, affirming that all evaluations would adhere to established protocols.
- The Miss Universe Organization denied the existence of any secret committee.
- They encouraged the public and media to rely solely on official communications.
In concluding his statements, Harfouch mentioned that he would not only resign as a judge but would also refrain from playing the music he had composed for the event. Miss Universe officials confirmed that he would be prohibited from associating with any of the event’s trademarks or branding.
This controversy highlights ongoing concerns about fairness and integrity within major beauty pageants. As the competition approaches, many are watching closely to see how these issues will impact the event’s reputation.
