MIAMI — After more than four decades shaping the world of beauty pageants, Osmel Sousa, known across Latin America as "El Zar de la Belleza," has officially announced his departure from the Miss Universe Organization. The Cuban-Venezuelan missologyst confirmed his exit in a heartfelt letter shared with fans and industry peers, explaining that his resignation marks "the closing of a cycle" rather than a conflict.
"After fulfilling my mission at Miss Universe, I decided to resign from my position as advisor to the organization," Sousa wrote. "This was not a decision taken lightly, but one I felt was necessary after reflecting on what I had achieved and what I want for the future."
Sousa, 78, said the choice was deeply personal. Having lived abroad for the past several months, he shared that the physical and emotional distance from Venezuela, the country he turned into a global powerhouse in the world of beauty, weighed heavily on him.
"Living completely alone, far from my Venezuela, made me think deeply," he said. "At this stage in my life, I need to be surrounded by loved ones, those who have supported and understood me through good times and bad. That is why I decided to return to my homeland."
A Pageant Icon Steps Back
For decades, Osmel Sousa has been synonymous with beauty, discipline, and success on the international stage. As president of the Miss Venezuela Organization from 1981 to 2018, he revolutionized the art of preparing beauty queens, perfecting every detail from diction to posture, and built a reputation as one of the most demanding and successful pageant directors in the world.
Under his reign, Venezuela won seven Miss Universe titles, six Miss World crowns, and eight Miss International victories, solidifying its status as the "factory of queens." Sousa's eye for talent and unrelenting pursuit of excellence turned young hopefuls into global icons, including Dayana Mendoza, Stefanía Fernández, and Alicia Machado.
He later brought his expertise to Nuestra Belleza Latina on Univision, serving as a judge and mentor from 2007 to 2016, helping shape the next generation of Latina talent. In recent years, Sousa joined the Miss Universe Organization as an international advisor, extending his influence beyond Venezuela.
"No Conflict, Just Closure"
In his statement, Sousa was clear that his exit was amicable. "My departure from the organization is not marked by any type of conflict. I's simply the end of a cycle that had already been fulfilled," he wrote, expressing gratitude to business partners Raúl Rocha and Paulina for their support and understanding.
"I am immensely grateful for everything I learned and for the teamwork, dedication, and passion that everyone puts into this pageant. To all those who were part of this experience, thank you from my heart for the respect, affection, and support."
Sousa also hinted that his departure from Miss Universe doesn't mean the end of his career. "Now, more than ever, there's still a lot of Osmel left," he said, suggesting new ventures are on the horizon.
His letter in Spanish is in this Instagram post. See translation in English below.
Clarification About My Departure from Miss Universe
I want to clarify and share with all of you that, three weeks ago, after fulfilling my mission in the Miss Universe pageant, I made the decision to resign from my position as advisor to the organization. This was not a decision made lightly, but a step I felt was necessary after reflecting on what I had accomplished and what I want for the future.
Although it's true that I decided to step aside, it's also true that now, more than ever, there's still plenty of Osmel to go around. My affection for Miss Universe and my commitment to beauty and to the development of new generations remain intact. This experience has given me invaluable lessons that I will carry with me always.
Being far from my Venezuela and, even more so, living completely alone at my age made me reflect deeply. At this stage of my life, I felt I needed to be surrounded by the loved ones who have always accompanied, supported, and understood me — both in good times and in difficult ones. That is why I decided to return to my homeland, to that place that has always given me the strength to move forward.
During my time at Miss Universe, I had the privilege of sharing with great friends and professionals, and I am immensely grateful for everything I learned. I was able to see up close how wonderful teamwork is, and the dedication and passion that everyone brings to this competition. To all those who were part of this experience, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the affection, respect, and support.
My departure from the organization is not marked by any kind of conflict; it was simply the closing of a cycle that had already been completed. I thank Mr. Raúl Rocha and Ms. Paulina for their understanding and for the opportunity they gave me, and I wish them all the best in their future projects.
I wish everyone blessings and much success in everything they do. My affection and gratitude are eternal.
With all my love,
A Legacy Beyond Crowns
Osmel Sousa's legacy extends far beyond his record-breaking run. He transformed beauty contests into a national phenomenon in Venezuela, inspiring generations of women and turning the pursuit of a crown into a path of empowerment and discipline. While his perfectionist methods and outspoken personality sometimes stirred controversy, Sousa's impact on Latin American culture is undeniable.
As he returns to Venezuela, Sousa says he carries with him invaluable lessons and memories. "This experience has left me with priceless learning that I will carry forever," he wrote. "I wish everyone blessings and success in everything they do. My affection and gratitude are eternal."
For now, the man who once defined the global standard of beauty is taking a graceful bow on his own terms. And in true Osmel fashion, his parting words come not as an ending, but as a promise: there's still more beauty, and more Osmel, to come.
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