Is the drama back? Nawat Itsaragrisil taps controversial ex Miss Universe judge for MGI All Star

Is the drama not over yet? 😳

After facing intense scrutiny during last year’s Miss Universe, businessman and Thai pageant owner Nawat Itsaragrisil has sparked buzz once again after including former judge Omar Harfouch in the panel for the inaugural Miss Grand International All Star edition.

On social media, the organization proudly announced Omar as one of the official judges for the competition set this May, alongside big names in pageantry including Venezuela’s beauty queen maker Osmel Sousa, former Miss Universe Natalie Glebova, and Filipino pageant shoemaker Jojo Bragais.

A calculated comeback

The move quickly raised eyebrows among pageant fans, especially following the controversies surrounding Miss Universe 2025. Omar previously stepped down as a judge just days before the finals, alleging that an “impromptu jury” had already pre-selected finalists without the official panel’s involvement.  

The issue became even more heated after Raul Rocha, President and CEO of Miss Universe, publicly criticized Nawat’s actions during the competition and imposed restrictions on his participation following a separate on stage controversy involving a candidate.  

Now, with Omar back in the judging scene under Nawat’s banner, fans are questioning whether the drama is truly over or just entering a new chapter.

Meanwhile, excitement continues to build for the Miss Grand International All Star edition, where the Philippines will be represented by five queens: Gazini Ganados, Alexia Nuñez, Keylyn Trajano, Fuschia Anne Rivera, and Imelda Schweighart.