Two long‑standing judges of the Miss Universe competition announced their resignations just days before the live finale. Both cited “irreconcilable differences with the organization” and a loss of confidence in the event’s integrity. The departures have left the panel scrambling to find replacements and have intensified scrutiny of the pageant’s governance.
One of the departing judges, speaking on condition of anonymity, “believes the contest has been manipulated to favor certain contestants.” The claim has ignited a wave of speculation across social media, with fans demanding transparency in the voting and scoring processes. Organizers have pledged a full audit of the results to address the accusations and restore public trust.
This controversy follows a recent incident in which a senior organizer publicly berated a contestant during a press conference, prompting widespread condemnation. The episode highlighted ongoing tensions within the franchise and raised questions about the treatment of participants. Both scandals now converge, putting unprecedented pressure on the Miss Universe brand as it approaches the final night of competition.
The Miss Universe production team has announced that a provisional judging panel will be assembled for the finale, and an independent oversight committee will monitor the event. Fans and stakeholders are watching closely, hoping that the measures will prove the competition’s fairness and allow the pageant to move past the current turmoil.