OFFICIAL STATEMENT
November 18, 2025 — New York, United States
In light of recent public statements and social media posts, the Miss Universe Organization considers it necessary to clarify certain inaccuracies regarding the Beyond the Crown Program and the official judging processes of the Seventy Four Miss Universe competition.
On 17 November, the Miss Universe Organization publicly released the official selection committee of the Beyond the Crown Program, an independent social impact initiative designed to promote leadership, service, education, health, inclusion, and meaningful support for charitable causes. This program operates entirely separately from the Miss Universe competition and from the official judging panel.
Following this announcement, Mr. Omar Harfuch, who had previously agreed to serve as one of the eight official members of the Miss Universe judging panel, published a statement expressing confusion and claiming lack of understanding regarding the scope and nature of a social impact program such as Beyond the Crown. His comments incorrectly suggested that an unauthorized or impromptu jury had been formed and that the official judges had been excluded from the selection of finalists.
The Miss Universe Organization firmly clarifies that no impromptu jury has been created, that no external group has been authorized to evaluate delegates or select finalists, and that all competition evaluations continue to follow the established, transparent, and supervised MUO protocols.
Given Mr. Harfuch’s expressed confusion, his public mischaracterization of the program, and his stated desire not to participate, the Miss Universe Organization respectfully acknowledges his withdrawal from the official judging panel. Effective immediately, Mr. Harfuch is prohibited from using, displaying, referencing, or associating himself with any Miss Universe trademarks, service marks, logos, titles, or registered properties, in any format, medium, or communication, whether digital, written, or verbal. Any continued use will be considered unauthorized and subject to the applicable legal actions and protections afforded to the Miss Universe Organization.
All procedures remain governed by the organization’s highest standards of transparency, integrity, and fairness.
The Miss Universe Organization encourages the public, media outlets, and fans worldwide to rely solely on verified MUO communications and to continue supporting the delegates whose leadership, service, and dedication reflect the true values of Miss Universe.
