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Raul Rocha responds to MU 2025 backlash
The Freeman
|November 25, 2025
Miss Universe president Raul Rocha emphasized in a series of Instagram posts that no judge resigned during the finals of Miss Universe 2025, held last Friday in Bangkok. The posts also addressed various issues surrounding the scandal-hit pageant.
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Miss Universe Organization president Raul Rocha
The Mexican businessman took the helm of the renowned competition after Thai businesswoman Anne Jakrajutatip stepped down as CEO earlier this year.
“The only truth that stands is that no judge resigned,” Rocha wrote on Instagram, addressing reports about the resignations of judges.
Several days before Friday's coronation, Lebanese musician Omar Harfouch said he had withdrawn as a judge, claiming that an “impromptu jury” had already selected the semifinalists. The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) denied the allegations. Several hours later, French football player Claude Makelele also announced his withdrawal from the selection committee with a brief statement on Instagram, citing unforeseen circumstances.
Filipino singer Louie Heredia and Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova were invited to join the panel after the other judges left.
This story is from the November 25, 2025 edition of The Freeman.
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