Miss Universe dropped its Indonesia pageant chapter following several sexual harassment accusations from contestants.
Miss Universe Indonesia finalists filed police complaints, accusing organizers of making them strip for body checks.
Miss Universe Cut Ties With Indonesia Pageant
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 11: Miss Indonesia, Laksmi De Neefe Suardana walks onstage during the 71st Miss Universe Competition National Costume show at New Orleans Morial Convention Center on January 11, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
A seismic tremor has rocked the glamorous beauty pageants as Miss Universe takes a bold stand against alleged sexual harassment. Amidst disturbing allegations, the Miss Universe has cut ties with its Indonesia franchise, according to Aljazeera.
Miss Universe Indonesia contestant alleged local organizers of the pageant of disturbing sexual abuse activities, asking participants to stip themselves to their underwear.
In a recent statement, the Miss Universe Organization confirmed that it has already severed its relationship with the beauty pageant firm running the Indonesia pageant, PT Capella Swastika Karya.
Above and beyond that, the New York-based org also ended ties with the firm's National Director, Poppy Capella.
Miss Universe posted on X, formerly Twitter, "In light of what we have learned took place at Miss Universe Indonesia it has become clear that this franchise has not lived up to our brand standards and ethics."
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Miss Universe Indonesia Pageant Sexual Harassment Allegations
Besides cutting ties with the Miss Universe Indonesia pageant, the organization is canceling its upcoming Malaysia pageant following the startling accusations. The Indonesian company also carries the license to run the Miss Universe Malaysia pageantry.
As per CNN's report, six Miss Universe Indonesia pageant contestants came forward to the police to file a complaint about the alleged sexual harassment. The contestants allege that they were subjected to strip searches. They say the local pageant organizers asked them to strip for "body checks" in search of cellulite or scars. The Miss Universe Indonesia finalists say the strip search occurred in a room wherein roughly two dozen people, including males, were in attendance.
On top of the strip search, five contestant claim that the local organizers took topless photos of them.
The attorney representing the contestants, Mellisa Anggraini, alleges that the pageant officials asked them to strip their tops so they could check for any "scars, cellulite or tattoos."
Police spokesperson Yuliansyah says the contestants filed the formal complaints on Monday. And as of this writing, an investigation into the incident is ongoing. He further disclosed, "The complaint will be used as the basis for our investigation."
According to The Guardian, Miss Universe Indonesia director Poppy Capella denied her involvement in the alleged sexual harassment incident. She states that they are "actively" probing the disturbing allegations against their organization. She adds, "We will promptly take the necessary stance and actions regarding this issue and ascertain the truth."
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