The Miss Universe pageant found itself mired in controversy as two judges stepped down, one citing claims of rigging and the other due to “unforeseen personal reasons.” The situation intensified when Jamaica’s representative, Gabrielle Henry, took a tumble off the stage during the preliminary evening gown event.
Henry was elegantly making her way in a shimmering orange gown, capturing the audience’s attention, when she unexpectedly fell off the main stage during the 2025 competition held in Thailand.
The Miss Universe Jamaica team reported that Henry was immediately taken to Paolo Rangsit Hospital for medical care. Fortunately, they confirmed that her injuries were not life-threatening.
“I was with her and her family at the hospital, and thankfully, she has no broken bones and is receiving excellent care. She will stay under observation overnight, and we will continue to provide support to her family,” stated Raul Rocha, the Miss Universe pageant president, via Instagram after visiting Henry. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her for a swift recovery.”
During the 74th Miss Universe Preliminary competition on November 19, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand, Gabrielle Henry, Miss Universe Jamaica, showcased her evening gown. (Mohan Raj/Getty)
Earlier in the week, Omar Harfouch, a Lebanese-French composer and businessman, left the eight-member judging panel, alleging that a “secret vote” had predetermined 30 out of the 136 participants.
“This vote was carried out by individuals who are not official members of the jury, myself included. To this day, no one knows who the selected 30 are, except one individual who holds the results,” Harfouch said.
“I could not stand before the public and television cameras, pretending to legitimize a vote I never took part in. Some of the countries eliminated through this process could be at war, discriminated against, or geopolitically sensitive. Viewers would assume the jury made these decisions, and I cannot bear responsibility for a process I did not participate in. Pretending otherwise would be dishonest.”
Pianist, composer, and businessman Omar Harfouch poses during a portrait session on March 15, 2024, in Paris, France. (Eric Fougere/Corbis via Getty Images)
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) rejected Harfouch’s allegations in an Instagram post Tuesday, saying all of its judging procedures for the 74th Miss Universe competition remain “official, transparent, and fully governed by MUO protocols.”
It added that no impromptu jury has been created, and no external group has been authorized to evaluate delegates or select finalists.
A second judge, former French soccer player Claude Makélélé, said he wouldn’t be attending the event “due to unforeseen personal reasons.”
Claude Makelele attends the UEFA Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid CF at Parc des Princes on Oct. 21, 2015, in Paris. (Xavier Laine/Real Madrid via Getty Images)
“This was a difficult decision, as I hold Miss Universe in the highest regard. The platform represents empowerment, diversity, and excellence — values I have always championed throughout my career,” Makélélé wrote on his Instagram account. “I sincerely apologise to the organisation, the contestants, and everyone involved, and I hope to be able to contribute in the future under better circumstances.”
The final day of the Miss Universe competition is Nov. 21.
