The Miss Universe Organization has severed ties with its Indonesia franchisee over allegations from contestants who claimed they were subjected to inappropriate “body checks” by local organizers.
Six Miss Universe Indonesia contestants alleged that local organizers had asked them to strip in a room with 20 people present as part of “body checks” for scars, tattoos, and cellulite prior to the pageant.
Five were allegedly photographed topless, and one of the complainants claimed that she was asked to pose inappropriately. Indonesia’s police have launched a probe into the allegations.
In a statement on Aug. 12, the U.S.-based organization said it would end the partnership with PT Capella Swastika Kaya, the company overseeing the Indonesian pageant, along with its national director, Poppy Capella.
“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, or expectations as outlined in our franchise handbook and code of conduct,” the organization stated.
The upcoming Miss Universe Malaysia, organized by PT Capella Swastika Kaya, has also been canceled, according to the organization. Instead, arrangements will be made for the Indonesia 2023 titleholder to compete in the global Miss Universe competition later this year, it added.
“Providing a safe place for women is the Miss Universe Organization’s utmost priority, and the events at this particular pageant are diametrically opposed to everything we stand for as an organization,” it stated.
The organization clarified that “there are no measurements such as height, weight, or body dimensions required to join a Miss Universe pageant worldwide.”
It also pledged to evaluate its franchise agreement, policies, and procedures to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.
“To the women who came forward from the Indonesia pageant—we’re sorry that this was your experience with our organization. We appreciate your bravery in speaking out, and we pledge to do better in the future,” it added.
Meanwhile, Ms. Capella said in a statement on Instagram that she does not condone any form of sexual harassment.
“I emphasize that I, as the national director and license owner for Miss Universe Indonesia, was not involved at all and have never known, ordered, requested, or allowed anyone who plays a role and participated in the process of organizing Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 to commit sexual harassment through body checking as reported,” she stated.
Religious groups in Indonesia, the world' most populous Muslim country, have in the past objected to beauty pageants.
Thai celebrity media tycoon and transgender rights advocate Jakapong “Anne” Jakrajutatip bought the Miss Universe Organization for $20 million last year.
