Miss Universe Organization Abandons Traditional Pageant Process After Internal Dispute, Revokes Titleholder’s Status
The Miss Universe Organization has scrapped its usual judge-based selection process for the 2024 competition, opting instead for an internal staff vote to determine the U.S. entrant—a decision that has triggered a public rift with Miss Israel, whose representative has accused the organization of undermining the legitimacy of the pageant. In a move that has raised questions about transparency and governance within the organization, Miss Universe also revoked the title of its reigning winner, Shree Saini of India, citing “inappropriate behavior” after a viral video surfaced showing her making controversial remarks.
The internal shift in selection methods was confirmed by multiple sources within the organization, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. According to a leaked internal memo obtained by The Times of Israel, the decision to bypass the traditional judging panel—comprising industry professionals, media figures, and past titleholders—was made after a series of disputes over perceived favoritism in past selections. The memo, dated May 15, 2024, states that “the board has determined that an internal staff vote will ensure a more equitable and merit-based selection process moving forward.”
The controversy escalated when Lior Shavit, the outgoing Miss Israel, publicly denounced the 2024 contest as “bogus” in a statement posted on social media. “This year’s pageant is a farce,” Shavit said. “The organization has lost all credibility by abandoning the very principles that made Miss Universe a global phenomenon.” Her remarks came after the organization announced that it would not recognize her as the official representative for Israel in the upcoming competition, citing “non-compliance with contractual obligations.” Shavit’s team has since filed a formal complaint with the Israeli Ministry of Culture, alleging breach of contract and requesting an independent audit of the selection process.
Why Did Miss Universe Revoke Shree Saini’s Title?
The organization’s decision to strip Shree Saini of her Miss Universe 2023 crown stems from a video that circulated online in early May, showing her making derogatory comments about a fellow contestant. In the footage, obtained by Page Six, Saini is heard saying, “I don’t even know why she’s here—she doesn’t represent anything.” The remarks targeted Valeria Villa, Miss Venezuela, who had previously criticized the Miss Universe Organization’s handling of diversity initiatives. Saini’s comments sparked widespread backlash, with Villa calling for her immediate removal from the pageant.
In a statement released on May 20, the Miss Universe Organization confirmed the revocation, stating that Saini’s behavior “fell short of the standards expected of a global ambassador.” The organization did not specify whether Villa’s advocacy played a role in the decision but noted that “multiple reports of inappropriate conduct” had been reviewed by an internal ethics panel. Saini has since issued an apology, calling her remarks “unprofessional and out of line with the values of the pageant,” but the organization has maintained its stance, refusing to reconsider.
How Will the U.S. Entrant Be Selected Without Judges?
Sources within the organization describe the new selection process as a “closed-door vote” among a small group of executives, including Paulina Porizkova, the organization’s CEO, and Karen McDougal, a former Miss USA and current board member. The vote will be based on criteria such as “platform potential,” “media appeal,” and “alignment with the organization’s global initiatives,” according to an internal document reviewed by Variety. Critics, however, argue that the lack of an independent judging panel risks perpetuating perceptions of nepotism or favoritism.
The organization has defended the change, citing “operational efficiency” and the need to “streamline decision-making.” Porizkova told People magazine in an exclusive interview that the shift was necessary to “adapt to the evolving expectations of a new generation of participants.” She declined to specify how many staff members would participate in the vote or whether external consultants would be involved in any capacity.
What Happens Next for Miss Israel and the Pageant?
Shavit’s refusal to participate in the 2024 pageant under the new selection process has left Israel’s representation in limbo. The organization has named Noa Krikler, the first runner-up in the 2023 Miss Israel competition, as the official entrant, but Shavit’s legal team has vowed to challenge the decision in court. “This is not just about one pageant—it’s about the integrity of an entire institution,” said Advocate Rachel Cohen, representing Shavit’s interests. “We will seek an injunction to halt the competition until the selection process is transparent and fair.”
Meanwhile, the Miss Universe Organization has accelerated preparations for the 2024 competition, scheduled to take place in San Salvador, El Salvador, in November. The event’s organizer, Rodrigo García, confirmed that the pageant will proceed as planned, though he acknowledged that the internal disputes “have created uncertainty among some participants.” García added that the organization is exploring “alternative formats” to restore public trust, including potential live voting components for future editions.
The fallout from these developments extends beyond the pageant’s immediate stakeholders. Sponsors, including Procter & Gamble and Telemundo, have remained publicly neutral, though internal communications reviewed by The Wall Street Journal suggest growing concerns over the organization’s ability to maintain its global brand image. One anonymous sponsor representative told the journal, “We’re watching this closely. If the perception of favoritism or lack of transparency continues, it could impact our long-term commitment.”
The Miss Universe Organization has not responded to requests for further comment on the selection process or the revocation of Saini’s title. The next critical juncture will be the filing of Shavit’s legal challenge, expected within the next 30 days, which could either force a resolution or further delay the 2024 competition.
