NEW YORK: The Miss Universe Organization has severed ties with its Indonesia franchise following disturbing allegations of sexual harassment. The decision, announced shortly after allegations emerged, has also prompted the cancellation of the upcoming Miss Universe Malaysia edition.
Multiple women came forward with accusations of sexual harassment, revealing a disturbing incident involving the Miss Universe Indonesia pageant. Allegedly, all 30 finalists were unexpectedly asked to undress for an unscheduled body check for scars and cellulite merely two days before the crowning ceremony in Jakarta. Distressed by these allegations, the organization took swift action to address the matter.
“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, ethics, or expectations,” the US-based Miss Universe Organization stated on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The organization expressed gratitude for the courage displayed by the contestants who came forward and highlighted that creating a safe environment for women remains its top priority.
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) August 12, 2023
Investigation into Miss Universe Harassment Allegations
Jakarta police confirmed the launch of an investigation into the women’s complaints, demonstrating the seriousness with which the matter is being treated.
The Indonesia franchise, PT Capella Swastika Karya, also holds the license for Miss Universe Malaysia. Consequently, the Miss Universe Malaysia competition for this year will not proceed as planned.
The Indonesia franchise director, Poppy Capella, vehemently denied any involvement in the alleged body checks, stating on Instagram that she was neither aware of nor endorsed any form of violence or sexual harassment during the pageant’s organization process.
The Miss Universe Organization has asserted its commitment to promoting inclusivity and emphasized that measurements such as height, weight, or body dimensions are not prerequisites for participation in Miss Universe pageants globally. The organization’s statement sought to clarify its stance after controversy arose due to a change in competition guidelines for the Indonesia pageant this year, specifically the elimination of the minimum height requirement.
