Miss Universe Organization (MUO) President Raul Rocha has released a three-part statement to address rigging allegations surrounding the recently concluded Miss Universe 2025 pageant.
Photo: Raul Rocha/Instagram
In the first of three statements, Raul outlined the challenges that arise during the actual pageant, including the logistical and diplomatic protocols involved in bringing together over 100 beauty queens, as well as the private interviews and evaluations.
View this post on Instagram
“It is impossible to express in words, or even through a few videos, everything that happens behind the scenes within the Miss Universe Organization,” he wrote.
“Each one of them is already a winner in their own right, they are our voices, and they are the women with whom we work and will continue working,” he added.
However, he also noted that the three-hour pageant does not reflect the full range of qualities the judges assess behind the scenes.
“Living together for 20 days, 24 hours a day, inevitably leads to countless situations in which discipline, responsibility, professionalism, sisterhood, a spirit of service, and many other values must prevail, especially loyalty toward all other competitors. These, among other factors, are what the discipline committee takes into account, along with a private interview and later the judging panel’s evaluations. It is only logical to understand that it is impossible to determine who will represent the organization globally by observing and scoring just three hours of a show. Three hours onstage do not reflect all the qualities that, from my perspective with clear objectivity, the woman who represents us before the world must possess,” he stated.
In the second part of the statement, the Mexican businessman condemned “opportunists who exploit” and those who “fabricate AI images that damage others’ reputations just to benefit themselves.”
View this post on Instagram
He also addressed reports regarding the judges who supposedly resigned. Prior to the coronation night, Lebanese musician Omar Harfouch said he had withdrawn as a judge after claiming that an “impromptu jury” had already selected the semifinalists.
“The only truth that stands is that no judge resigned,” he highlighted.
He added, “Regarding the other two judges, whom I respect, I emphasize that they did not resign. Only God, they, and I know this. I prefer not to elaborate further out of respect for them and for the organization. The entire circus surrounding their supposed resignation was created falsely, once again, by the pseudo-musician for his own benefit, knowing that with his poor and limited career, he would not receive media attention otherwise. I demanded that he stop involving third parties who have never claimed to have resigned because that is not the case, and the particular circumstances of each situation have nothing to do with this unfortunate musician’s intentions.”
In the last part of his statement, the MUO President firmly emphasized that Miss Universe is a private organization.
View this post on Instagram
“Lastly, I want to highlight that Miss Universe is a 100% private organization. It is not a public institution. We do not receive public funds or sponsorships from any public entity. Judges do not receive any payment for participating, and Miss Universe Organization covers all expenses incurred by those who honor us with their presence,” he affirmed.
“Nothing and no one will stop the global phenomenon that is Miss Universe, a phenomenon heard and felt around the world. The results speak for themselves,” he concluded his post.
Apart from the three-part statement, he also addressed the speculation regarding Jamaica’s Dr. Gabrielle Henry, who was hospitalized after suffering an onstage fall during the evening gown portion of the preliminary competition.
View this post on Instagram
“Out of respect for Dr. Henry and her family, the Organization maintains strict discretion regarding specific details of her medical status. We bellieve that matters concerning her health should be communicated only at the appropriate time and solely at the family’s discretion, or by Dr. Henry herself should she choose to do so,” the statement reads.
Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch bagged the Miss Universe 2025 crown, besting 118 beauty queens.
Philippine representative Ahtisa Manalo finished as third runner-up, while also winning Best National Costume and placing third in the Beyond the Crown advocacy project competition.
Meanwhile, fourth runner-up Olivia Yace of Côte d’Ivoire stepped down from her title as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania.
ALSO READ: Get to Know Ahtisa Manalo, the Philippines’ Bet at the 74th Miss Universe
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com’s Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com community at WIM Squad, and join our Viber group to stay updated with the latest around the Philippines and beyond!
