The Miss Universe Organization is facing one of its most turbulent periods, and now, one of its top executives wants to walk away. Raúl Rocha, co-owner and president of the organization, says he is looking to sell his 50 percent stake due to mounting pressure and controversy surrounding the global pageant brand.
Just three days after Fátima Bosch was crowned Miss Universe 2025 in Bangkok, Rocha revealed he’s looking to offload his stake in the iconic beauty pageant. The Mexican businessman took over the organization in January 2024, but the honeymoon phase didn’t last long.
During a recent interview with Mexican journalist Adela Micha, Rocha admitted he’s had enough of the constant criticism and swirling allegations.
“I’m fed up,” he said bluntly. Later adding, “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.”
The drama didn’t stop with internal tension. Leading up to the pageant, two judges, Omar Harfouch and Claude Makélélé, abruptly stepped down, with Harfouch accusing the organization of selecting finalists before the competition even began. A third judge, Princess Camilla, also resigned soon after.
To make matters worse, a contestant claimed that learning about the alleged pre-selection process was “heartbreaking,” especially after months of sacrifice and preparation.
Rocha also addressed a viral incident involving pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil, who clashed with winner Fátima Bosch. Rocha responded swiftly, banning Nawat from future events.
