Miss Universe Guyana and Ghana national director steps down over transparency concerns
The national director of Miss Universe Guyana and co-director of Miss Universe Ghana, Teri Brown-Walker, announced her withdrawal from the roles.
In a press release dated Nov. 23 and posted on Instagram, the pageant executive, who is also the national director of Miss Cosmo Guyana, explained why she's stepping away from the Miss Universe franchise.
"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," Brown-Walker stated.
"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."
While she's withdrawing from the Miss Universe franchise, Brown-Walker expressed her intention to stay in the Miss Cosmo organization.
"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 continued.
Brown-walker added that she's open to "fair opportunities" within the Universe organization.
Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Cuba national directors rally behind Rocha
Soon after her announcement, Magali Febles, national director of Miss Universe Dominican Republic and El Salvador, declared her unwavering support for Raúl Rocha, Miss Universe Organization president.
In a statement in Spanish posted on Instagram, and translated to English by Missosology, Febles wrote, "In light of the recent allegations and the confusion surrounding the 74th edition of Miss Universe, held in Thailand, I wish to publicly and unequivocally express my full support for Mr. Raúl Rocha Cantú; his vision, his values, and his leadership, as well as for the entire team that forms part of the Miss Universe Organization."
She explained that "periods of transition" often generate "speculation and unfounded attacks." In the midst of the industry changes, Febles insisted that the Miss Universe Organization "upholds a mission of female empowerment that transcends any temporary controversy."
Miss Universe Cuba national director Prince Julio César echoed this with his own message of support for Rocha.
"I reaffirm my commitment to walk alongside you, inspired by history, emotion, and the certainty that Miss Universe is, and will continue to be, much more than a pageant: It is a place where purpose, beauty, and feminine strength intertwine to transform lives and unite hearts," he said in a statement in Spanish, as translated by Google.
The 74th Miss Universe pageant, which was held on Nov. 21 in Bangkok, Thailand, had been beset with many controversies before and after the coronation night.
In an early-November pre-pageant event, Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch, who would eventually win the Miss Universe 2025 crown, walked out following a tense exchange with Nawat Itsagrisil, national director of Miss Universe Thailand.
Days before coronation night, three judges reportedly pulled out of the pageant, with one of them, Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch, claiming Bosch had been chosen as winner 24 hours before the finale by an "impromptu jury" due to her father having business with Rocha.
Rocha has since denied these claims.
