Neve Dawson

The US-based Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has cut ties with its former Indonesian franchise, following numerous sexual abuse allegations made by contestants, only days before the crowning ceremony in Jakarta.

Allegations against Miss Universe Indonesia

Reports were made by six Indonesian finalists that they were made by Miss Universe Indonesia to strip naked for body checks that looked “for scars and cellulite”.

Five of the six individuals claim that invasive, topless photographs were also taken.

Miss Universe Organization’s Response to the Allegations

The organisation has made multiple public statements addressing the ongoing investigation into the allegations. The MUO stated that the Indonesian franchise “had not lived up to its brand standards, ethics or expectations.”

The MUO also thanked the contestants that filed the complaints, stating that the organisation wants to prioritise and maintain “a safe place for women.”

The MUO has terminated its relationship with its national director, Poppy Capella, and its Indonesian franchisee, beauty company PT Capella Swastika Karya. It is also set to cancel the upcoming Miss Universe Malaysia, as that license is also held by PT Capella Swastika Karya.

Franchise Director Poppy Cappella’s Response

Poppy Capella, Indonesia’s franchise director, stated on Instagram that she had “never known, ordered, requested or allowed anyone who played a role and participated in the process of organizing Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 to commit violence or sexual harassment through body checking.”

She also stated that she does not condone sexual harassment of any sort.

Miss Universe’s History of Sexual Misconduct

This is not the first time allegations of sexual misconduct have been made against the MUO. Other instances of alleged misconduct took place between 1996-2015, the almost 20-year period that former US President Donald Trump owned the organisation.

Four Miss Teen USA contestants claimed Trump entered the pageant’s changing room when girls as young as 15 were in “various states of undress.” He is also alleged to have done the same at the 2001 Miss USA pageant.

Trump was also accused of making misogynistic, fatphobic and racist remarks towards contestants, as well as kissing them without their consent.

Trump was forced to sell the MUO in 2015 after his derogatory remarks about Mexicans resulted in the withdrawal of sponsors and broadcasters.

The Future of the Miss Universe Organization

The MUO said in a statement that it was reviewing its policies and procedures to avoid future incidents across its international franchises. It also stated that it wants to “make it extremely clear that there are no measurements such as height, weight or body dimensions required to join a Miss Universe pageant.”

The organisation will allow Ms Fabienne Nicole Groeneveld, who won the contest to represent Indonesia in the 2023 Miss Universe Pageant, to compete in the global final later this year.

Police in Jakarta are now said to be investigating the claims made by several contestants, including analysing surveillance cameras from the scene and conducting interviews with the victims.

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Featured image courtesy of Greg Doyle via Wikimedia Commons. No changes were made to this image. Image license found here.

BA English + History Student at the University of Bristol | News, Culture and Arts Journalist for Empoword Journalism, Epigram News, So Young Magazine and The Rodeo Magazine.

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