The Miss Universe pageant was already experiencing a turbulent time after two judges stepped down, one due to claims the competition was rigged and the other citing “unforeseen personal reasons.” The disarray worsened when Jamaica’s entrant, Gabrielle Henry, tumbled off the stage during the preliminary evening gown segment.
Henry was seen walking on the stage in a sparkly orange gown, looking toward the audience before she fell off the main stage during the 2025 competition in Thailand.
The Miss Universe Jamaica organization stated that Henry was immediately taken to Paolo Rangsit Hospital, where medical professionals were caring for her. The organization added that she did not sustain any life-threatening injuries from the fall.
“I was present with her family and her, and fortunately, there are no fractures and she is receiving excellent care. She will remain under observation for the remainder of the night, and we will stay connected with her family to support her,” Miss Universe pageant president Raul Rocha posted on Instagram, mentioning he visited Henry at the hospital. “Our thoughts are with her for a swift recovery.”
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Omar Harfouch, a Lebanese-French composer and entrepreneur, resigned from the judging panel of eight members earlier in the week, alleging that a “secret vote” occurred to pre-select 30 contestants from the 136.
“This vote was conducted by individuals who are not formal members of the jury, myself included. As of today, nobody knows who the chosen 30 are, except for one individual who possesses the results,” Harfouch stated.
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“I could not stand in front of the public and television cameras, pretending to validate a vote in which I never participated. Some of the nations eliminated through this process might be at war, facing discrimination, or geopolitically sensitive. Viewers would assume the jury made these decisions, and I cannot accept responsibility for a process in which I did not take part. Acting otherwise would be insincere.”
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) denied Harfouch’s claims in an Instagram post on Tuesday, asserting that all its judging procedures for the 74th Miss Universe competition remain “official, transparent, and completely governed by MUO protocols.”
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It further stated that no impromptu jury has been established, and no external group has been authorized to assess delegates or choose finalists.
A second judge, former French soccer player Claude Makélélé, announced he would not be attending the event “due to unforeseen personal reasons.”
“This was a challenging decision, as I deeply respect Miss Universe. The platform embodies empowerment, diversity, and excellence — values I have consistently promoted throughout my career,” Makélélé posted on his Instagram account. “I offer my sincere apologies to the organization, the contestants, and all those involved, and I hope to contribute in the future under more favorable circumstances.”
The final day of the Miss Universe competition is November 21.
