miss Universe Institution President Addresses Controversy Surrounding Miss Ivory Coast’s Resignation
BANGKOK, Thailand – Following the crowning of Mexico‘s Fátima Bosch as Miss Universe 2025, the Miss Universe Africa & Oceania 2025 titleholder from Ivory Coast has resigned, citing a commitment to her values. The resignation comes amid allegations of a lack of clarity and potential corruption within the competition, including claims of a “secret vote” influencing the selection of the top 30 finalists.
The Ivorian beauty queen stated via social media, “This commitment to being a positive influence is what guides my decision today. Stepping away from this reduced role of Miss Universe Africa & Oceania 2025 will allow me to fully dedicate myself to defending the values that I carry in my heart.”
The controversy escalated tuesday when Franco-Lebanese pianist Omar Harfouch resigned from his position as a judge, alleging a lack of transparency and a clandestine voting process. Harfouch announced his intention to sue the Miss universe Organization (MUO) for alleged abuses of power,corruption,deception,breach of contract,and conflict of interest,and has publicly labeled Bosch as “a fake miss universe.”
Harfouch claims to possess a recorded interview from 24 hours before the coronation, scheduled for release next year, in which he predicted Mexico’s victory due to alleged “business” dealings between Bosch and the father of the newly crowned Miss Universe.
The President of the Miss Universe Organization has responded to the accusations,stating the decision to crown Fátima Bosch was based on her overall performance throughout the competition and her alignment with the organization’s vision. Details of the President’s full statement were not instantly available.