Scandal has struck the Miss Universe pageant with the force of a poorly timed wardrobe malfunction. Two judges have walked away from the glittering stage just days before the big event, alleging the competition is as fixed as a reality TV finale. This isn’t just backstage drama; it’s a full-blown challenge to the pageant’s credibility.

Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch and French football manager Claude Makélélé both resigned from the eight-member jury, citing serious concerns about the integrity of the contest scheduled to take place in Thailand.

The trouble started brewing when Harfouch took to Instagram on Wednesday to announce his exit. He didn’t just bow out quietly—he dropped a bombshell, claiming an unauthorized group had already picked the finalists before the official judges even got a say. If true, that’s a plot twist even Hollywood couldn’t script.

Allegations of a secret vote surface

Harfouch didn’t hold back, alleging that a shadowy, unofficial vote determined the Top 30 contestants well before the proper panel arrived. “It has come to light that a secret and illegitimate vote was held to determine the Top 30 contestants before the arrival of the official jury,” Harfouch declared on Instagram. Sounds like someone’s playing chess while the rest of us are still setting up the board.

He went further, pointing fingers at individuals outside the official judging pool who allegedly took part in this clandestine selection. Worse yet, he claimed one of these mystery voters had a romantic tie to a contestant, raising red flags about fairness. In a world obsessed with “equity,” this kind of favoritism feels like a slap in the face to honest competition.

Harfouch isn’t just venting on social media—he’s considering legal action to address what he sees as a laundry list of wrongs. “The issues under review include, but are not limited to: fraud, abuse of power, corruption, deception, breach of contract, conflict of interest, and emotional and reputational damages,” he stated. That’s quite the charge sheet for an event meant to celebrate beauty and grace.

Second judge steps away amid controversy

Not long after Harfouch’s bombshell, Claude Makélélé also announced he wouldn’t be attending the pageant, citing personal reasons that came up unexpectedly. While he didn’t echo the rigging claims directly, the timing of his exit—mere hours after Harfouch’s resignation—raises eyebrows. Coincidence? Hardly seems likely in a saga this messy.

Adding fuel to the fire, this isn’t the first hiccup for Miss Universe recently. Just two weeks prior, several contestants reportedly left a pre-pageant event after an official made controversial remarks. It’s starting to look like this organization can’t catch a break—or a good PR team.

The Miss Universe Organization, for its part, isn’t taking these accusations lying down. They issued a statement denying any unauthorized interference in the selection process, insisting that no external group had the power to pick finalists. But in an age where trust in institutions is thinner than a pageant sash, their words might not be enough to quiet the skeptics.

Organization denies claims, questions remain

According to the BBC, the organization suggested Harfouch might be confusing their process with a separate social impact initiative called “Beyond the Crown,” which operates independently with its own committee. If that’s the case, it’s a misunderstanding—but one that’s already cost them two judges. Clarity, it seems, is in short supply here.

Let’s be real: pageants like Miss Universe are supposed to be a showcase of fairness, talent, and global unity, not a backstage brawl over who’s pulling the strings. When allegations of corruption and favoritism surface, it undermines the very spirit of the event. And in a culture already weary of elitist games, this kind of drama only deepens public cynicism.

What’s next for Miss Universe? It remains unclear whether the organization will scramble to replace the departed judges or proceed with a smaller panel. Either way, the spotlight isn’t just on the contestants now—it’s on the integrity of the entire operation.

Integrity of pageant under scrutiny

For conservatives who value merit and transparency, this fiasco is a reminder of how often modern institutions—yes, even beauty pageants—can fall prey to behind-the-scenes shenanigans. It’s not about tearing down the event but about demanding accountability. If the process isn’t above board, what’s the point of the crown?

The contestants, who’ve likely poured their hearts into preparing, deserve better than to be pawns in a game of alleged manipulation. And the fans, tuning in for a night of inspiration, shouldn’t have to wonder if the winner was chosen before the first gown hit the runway. Let’s hope Miss Universe can clean up this mess before the curtain rises.

In the end, this scandal isn’t just about a beauty contest—it’s about trust in systems that claim to reward hard work and fairness. If Harfouch’s claims hold even a grain of truth, it’s a wake-up call to scrutinize every corner of public spectacle. After all, in a world pushing progressive ideals, shouldn’t honesty be the ultimate beauty standard?