In a shocking turn of events, the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has severed its association with the Indonesian franchise after disturbing allegations of sexual abuse surfaced. Days before the crowning ceremony in Jakarta, several contestants came forward with claims of being subjected to invasive “body checks for scars and cellulite,” with some alleging they were photographed topless.
The US-based MUO, responsible for the prestigious pageant, expressed strong disapproval of the franchise’s conduct, asserting that it had fallen short of their brand standards, ethics, and expectations. Jakarta police have initiated an investigation into the troubling claims.
As a consequence, the MUO also announced the cancellation of this year’s pageant in Malaysia, operated by the same company, PT Capella Swastika Karya. The organization extended gratitude to the courageous women who spoke out against the abuses, reiterating its commitment to providing a safe environment for women.
Miss Universe, a globally celebrated event now in its 73rd edition, holds immense popularity across Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. The allegations have spurred a reevaluation of policies and procedures within the organization to prevent such incidents in the future. MUO emphasized that there are no measurement or body dimension requirements for participating in its pageants worldwide.
While the shocking scandal has shaken the beauty pageant world, it also serves as a reminder of the imperative to ensure the safety and dignity of contestants. Amidst the turmoil, the organization’s focus remains on promoting a positive and empowering experience for women in the pageant industry.
Source: BBC
