Miss Universe Contestants Allegedly Forced To Do Naked Physical Examinations
The women claim that they were forced to do topless "body checks" and even be photographed in these vulnerable situations. The Miss Universe Organization has responded to the allegations.
Six Miss Universe Indonesia contestants have lodged police complaints against the pageant's organizers, alleging sexual harassment during "body checks." The contestants claimed that they were instructed to undress to their underwear for physical examinations in a room containing over 20 individuals. According to their attorney, Mellisa Anggraeni, they were then photographed without their tops.
Miss Universe Contestants Allegedly Forced to Do Naked Physical Examinations
One contestant expressed her discomfort and confusion during the process at a press conference, asserting that she felt observed and was requested to strike inappropriate poses. The Miss Universe Organization responded to the allegations, emphasizing that it prioritizes providing a secure environment for women and would investigate the issue.
"Miss Universe takes allegations of sexual abuse and impropriety extremely seriously. Providing a safe place for women is the Miss Universe Organization's utmost priority, and we are looking into this matter," the organization said.
The Miss Universe Organization, in existence since 1952, has faced criticism in Indonesia, a country with a significant Muslim population. In 2022, trans-identified male Jakapong "Anne" Jakrajutatip, a Thai media magnate and transgender rights advocate, acquired the Miss Universe Organization for $20 million. An activist with the Life Inspired For Thailand Foundation, Jakrajutatip's acquisition was accompanied by his assurance that the organization is run "by women, for women." In an interview with The Journal podcast, he highlighted the all-female leadership of the pageant, stating that only women would be on stage. Contrary to this statement, Jakrajutatip appeared on stage in a ball gown after the swimsuit segment to present an award, discussing the importance of women leading the organization after years of male dominance. Naturally, this sparked controversy. Critics pointed out that Jakrajutatip is a man, regardless of how successfully he wears dresses and makeup.
The beauty pageant has been increasingly inclusive of transgender participants. Rikkie Valerie Kolle, a trans-identified male, recently triumphed in the Miss Universe Netherlands competition, expressing his pride and happiness on Instagram despite the widespread backlash he received.
Shortly after, Patrizia Mirigliani, Official Patron of the Miss Italy pageant, asserted that contestants "must be a woman from birth" in an interview with Radio Cusano. Despite acknowledging the Netherlands' "inclusive" approach with Kolle's win, Mirigliani confirmed that Miss Italy would maintain its traditional stance, not accommodating trans-identified individuals. The decision supports the idea that some still believe that biologically male individuals shouldn't compete in traditionally female spaces, emphasizing the intrinsic feminine beauty inherent to women.
The next few years are sure to look different for the pageant circuit compared to what we've seen in the past. There will surely be more trans-identified contestants, and we could potentially see more lawsuits coming out about sexual harassment.
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