France signals exit from Miss Universe; Ghana–Guyana director steps down
Officials of the Miss Universe France franchise have signaled possible withdrawal from Miss Universe Organization following the contentious “Beyond The Crown” program, which allegedly influenced the selection of the 2025 Top 30 without the knowledge of some national organizations.
In a report published Nov. 21, French magazine Paris Match quoted Frédéric Gilbert, president of the Miss France organization, as he expressed deep concern over the recent happenings.
The Miss France organization warned MUO that with “no clear explanations,” they will have to explore the possibility of “not continuing” with the franchise.
“We all pay a license fee to send someone, so they’ll have to be held accountable. We can’t just sweep this under the rug. A blunder can happen. But this series of mishaps—they’ll have to explain themselves,” said Gilbert through his organization.
“If there are no clear explanations or more precise guidelines, we can seriously question whether to continue. And I know we’re not the only ones; other countries are asking themselves the same questions,” he further said.
France fielded Eve Gilles to the 74th edition of the now Mexico-based Miss Universe pageant, but ended her journey at the Top 30.
Miss Universe Ghana-Guyana director resigns
Meanwhile, Teri Brown-Walker, national director of Miss Universe Guyana and co-director of Miss Universe Ghana, has decided to step away from the Miss Universe franchise due to mounting issues within the system.
In a Nov. 24 press statement posted on Instagram, Brown-Walker announced her resignation due to the concerns ranging from alleged interference in candidate selection to rising franchise costs.
“This difficult decision comes amid ongoing concerns about transparency in the selection process, rising and inconsistent franchise fees that burden smaller countries, and challenges with organizational management,” she said.
“What became truly untenable was when democracy and free will were replaced with threats, restrictions, and pressure to choose between the Miss Universe and Miss Cosmo systems—without regard for my financial and business commitments. This was both disheartening and unfair,” she continued.
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Brown-Walker, who will remain with Miss Cosmo Guyana, stressed that she is leaving MUO to protect the values she believes pageantry should uphold.
“Pageantry should be about opportunity, dignity, and empowerment—not intimidation. My hope is that by standing firm, I can help preserve those values for the future,” she stated, noting she is still open to “fair opportunities” within MUO.
The departures came after Cote d’Ivoire candidate Olivia Yace renounced her Miss Universe Africa and Oceania title after her fourth runner-up finish despite her stellar performance throughout her campaign.
Following Yace’s resignation, MUO president Raúl Rocha was interviewed saying that contributory to the Ivorian beauty queen’s loss was her “weak passport” which he said might limit her ability to travel and fulfill her commitment to the organization.
Latin franchises support Rocha
Days before coronation night, two judges withdrew from the panel. One of them, Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch, claimed eventual winner, Mexico’s Fatima Bosch had been chosen as winner 24 hours before the finale by an “impromptu jury” due to her father’s business ties with Rocha, allegations he later denied.
Despite the resignations, some national directors have rallied behind MUO leadership. Magali Febles of Miss Universe Dominican Republic and Miss Universe El Salvador publicly declared her support for Rocha, saying “periods of transition” naturally trigger “speculation and unfounded attacks.”
Miss Universe Cuba national director Prince Julio César also backed Rocha, stating: “I reaffirm my commitment to walk alongside you… in the certainty that Miss Universe is, and will continue to be, much more than a pageant.”
The series of events that followed the coronation show was preceded by a walkout of delegates before a sashing ceremony after the Thai hosting committee chair, Miss Universe Thailand national director and Miss Universe VP for Asiana Nawat Itsagrisil, berated Bosch.
The Mexican beauty queen would eventually win the crown, with Thailand delegate Praveenar Singh as her first runner-up. Venezuela’s Stephany Abisali, Ahtisa Manalo, and Yace completed the winners as second, third, and fourth runners-up, respectively. /edv
