Miss Universe Owner Admits He’s ‘Fed Up,’ Looking to Sell Pageant Organization amid Ongoing Controversies
Raul Rocha addressed the international competition’s future in an interview three days after Fátima Bosch was crowned Miss Universe 2025
Miss Universe Organization president Raul Rocha has stated that he’s looking to sell his stake after weeks of controversy surrounding the international pageant.
On Monday, Nov. 24, Rocha spoke to Mexican journalist Adela Micha about the competition, which was held in Bangkok on Nov. 21, and his response to several recent allegations of misconduct aimed at the organization. At one point during the interview, which was conducted in Spanish, Rocha clarified his role as the president and 50 percent shareholder of Miss Universe.
He then noted that he is “looking for someone to pass it on to,” adding, as translated into English, “This is like a test, like a relay race. Who do I pass the baton to?”
When Micha asked why he changed his mind since acquiring the pageant in January 2024, Rocha proclaimed, “It’s just that I’m so fed up. I’m so fed up with all the talk. I don’t lend myself to that kind of thing.”
He continued to lament the fact that while he’s “the owner, the proprietor, the president” of the organization, “everyone wants to have an opinion” about the business.
“They want to come and tell you what decisions you make, how you make them, why you hire people, why you take away people and why you add people,” said Rocha.
Rocha did not respond to media request for comment.
He continued to refer to Omar Harfouch, the musician who publicly resigned from his position on the selection committee on Nov. 18, just days before the competition. Harfouch previously alleged that the Miss Universe Organization had formed an “impromptu jury” to choose 30 finalists before participants from 136 countries even took the stage for the preliminary round.
The pageant refuted Harfouch’s claims in a statement posted shortly after his announcement. That same day, pro soccer player Claude Makélélé announced he was also withdrawing from his position as a judge, citing personal reasons. The president of the selection
He continued to refer to Omar Harfouch, the musician who publicly resigned from his position on the selection committee on Nov. 18, just days before the competition. Harfouch previously alleged that the Miss Universe Organization had formed an “impromptu jury” to choose 30 finalists before participants from 136 countries even took the stage for the preliminary round.
The pageant refuted Harfouch’s claims in a statement posted shortly after his announcement. That same day, pro soccer player Claude Makélélé announced he was also withdrawing from his position as a judge, citing personal reasons. The president of the selection committee, Princess Camilla di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, later resigned as
Weeks earlier, on Nov. 4, the Miss Universe organization made global headlines when a livestream showed a heated confrontation between pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil and Fátima Bosch, who represented Mexico and was ultimately crowned the pageant’s winner. Rocha promptly announced multiple sanctions against Itsaragrisil, including his restriction from the pageant.
After Harfouch’s bombshell resignation, a Miss Universe contestant — who asked to remain anonymous — told to media that rumors of the covert top 30 selection were “heartbreaking” to learn.
Never miss a story — Follow website Frequency5fm ,Report by Maria Ocampo
