Rocha defends Miss Universe 2025, calls fraud allegations fabricated

Miss Universe Organization (MUO) president Raul Rocha has issued a forceful and uncompromising response to what he describes as a blatant attempt to exploit the organization’s global platform. Through a three-part statement released on Instagram, Rocha defended the legitimacy of Miss Universe 2025 and condemned what he called the actions of an “opportunist” musician who allegedly sought attention by fabricating controversy.

While Rocha did not identify anyone by name, his remarks followed claims made by French-Lebanese musician Omar Harfouch, who publicly alleged that Miss Universe 2025 winner Fatima Bosch was a “fake winner” and that the results had been predetermined. Rocha’s statement dismantles these accusations point by point while stressing the rigorous process that leads to the selection of a Miss Universe titleholder.

Rocha reminded the public that Miss Universe is not decided solely by what viewers see on coronation night.

“Living together for 20 days, 24 hours a day, inevitably leads to countless situations in which discipline, responsibility, professionalism, sisterhood, a spirit of service, and many other values must prevail, especially loyalty toward all other competitors,” he said.

Rocha emphasized that the competition’s dynamics — including private interviews and judging assessments — provide the true basis for choosing a winner, noting that a three-hour televised event cannot capture the full extent of a delegate’s character and capabilities.

In the second portion of his statement, Rocha addressed — without naming — the musician behind the fraud accusations.

“The only truth that stands is that no judge resigned. The musician, whom nobody knew, turned out to be an opportunist, and anyone with good judgment can see how an unknown person tried to latch onto the fame of Miss Universe to gain followers,” he wrote.

Rocha also expressed disappointment, saying he had trusted the musician and had been willing to support his “concert for peace.”

“I hope the truth about who he really is and about his story comes to light soon, that justice is served, and we will also take legal action,” he continued.

He then encouraged the public to disengage from the individual spreading misinformation.

“I encourage everyone to remove him from their social media and show the world that opportunists who exploit others have no place here, especially those who fabricate AI images that damage others’ reputations just to benefit themselves and feed their ego and insecurity,” he added — a reference to an alleged AI-generated photo depicting Rocha and Bosch embracing.

Rocha further underscored that no judges resigned, dismissing the rumor as theatrics created “by the pseudo-musician for his own benefit.”

In the final post of his statement, Rocha reiterated that Miss Universe operates independently and transparently.

“Lastly, I want to highlight that Miss Universe is a 100% private organization. It is not a public institution,” he said, adding that the organization receives no government funds and that judges are not paid.

He said MUO covers all expenses for judges and delegates, including accommodations, meals, transportation, and medical care.

Rocha closed with a declaration of confidence in Miss Universe’s continued global success.

“Nothing and no one will stop the global phenomenon that is Miss Universe, a phenomenon heard and felt around the world. The results speak for themselves, and we are only a few days in. We will break every record.”

He ended with a biblical reference: “And to those who criticized and judged us, I want to cite the Bible: Luke 14:11 — ‘For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.’”

The statement reaffirms MUO’s stance: the organization stands by its winner, its process, its judges, and its integrity — and will not hesitate to challenge those who threaten its credibility.