Miss Universe Organization (MUO) President Raul Rocha has issued a series of statements denying allegations of rigging in the pageant’s 74th edition, following claims that Mexico’s Fatima Bosch was predetermined to win before coronation night.
The controversy began after Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch—who claimed to be a judge but announced his resignation on social media two days before the finals—alleged that Bosch’s victory had been decided 24 hours prior because Rocha supposedly had business ties with Bosch’s father. Harfouch also claimed two other judges, French football figure Claude Makélélé and Princess Camilla di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, withdrew from the panel before the event held on Nov. 21 at Impact Challenger Hall in Thailand.
Rocha firmly denied these claims, saying “no judge resigned,” and calling Harfouch “an opportunist” attempting to use the Miss Universe platform for attention. Without naming him directly, Rocha said the individual “tried to latch onto the fame of Miss Universe to gain followers,” adding that he would pursue legal action.
Rocha also addressed reports about Makélélé and Princess Camilla, stating they did not resign and that he would not elaborate “out of respect” for the individuals and the organization. He described the rumors surrounding their supposed withdrawals as a “circus” fabricated by Harfouch.
The MUO president explained that judging is based not only on the three-hour coronation show, but on the delegates’ entire 20-day Miss Universe experience, which includes private interviews and evaluations by a discipline committee.
“It is impossible to determine who will represent the organization globally by observing and scoring just three hours of a show,” Rocha said.
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Rocha also responded to accusations involving his company’s 745-million-peso contract with Mexican oil firm Pemex, where Bosch’s father, Bernardo Bosch Hernandez, works. In a Spanish-language statement, Rocha clarified that his firm acquired 50% ownership of MUO only in January 2024—almost a year after the Pemex contract was awarded.
He added he met Bosch’s family only two months before the Miss Universe Mexico pageant in September 2025.
“It is completely false and impossible that any relationship exists between the awarding of this contract and the contestant’s victory,” Rocha stated.
The 2025 pageant also faced internal tension when Bosch confronted Miss Universe Thailand national director Nawat Itsaragrisil, who allegedly called her “dumb” for missing an activity. Bosch walked out of the pre-sashing ceremony, with other contestants following her in support. Itsaragrisil has since apologized.
The Miss Universe 2025 competition concluded with:
- Miss Universe 2025: Fatima Bosch (Mexico)
- 1st Runner-Up: Praveenar Singh (Thailand)
- 2nd Runner-Up: Stephany Abasali (Venezuela)
- 3rd Runner-Up: Ahtisa Manalo (Philippines)
- 4th Runner-Up: Olivia Yacé (Côte d’Ivoire)
Rocha emphasized that Miss Universe remains a “100% private organization” that does not receive public funds or sponsor payments, and reiterated that judges are not compensated beyond travel and accommodation support.
“Nothing and no one will stop the global phenomenon that is Miss Universe,” he said.
