In a momentous decision, the Miss Universe Organization has chosen to dissolve its association with the Indonesian franchise amidst serious accusations of sexual harassment.
The fallout from this decision has also led to the cancellation of the upcoming Miss Universe Malaysia edition. The swift response underscores the Miss Universe Organization’s commitment to upholding its values and ensuring the safety and well-being of participants.
The controversy unfolded in the aftermath of disturbing claims made by multiple women. These allegations revolved around an unsettling incident involving all 30 finalists of Miss Universe Indonesia, who were subjected to an invasive body inspection just two days before the crowning ceremony held in Jakarta. The incident has raised questions about the treatment of contestants and the standards set by the pageant.
Responding swiftly, the Miss Universe Organization, headquartered in the United States, addressed the issue through their X social media platform (formerly known as Twitter). The organization made it clear that the behavior exhibited during the Miss Universe Indonesia event was inconsistent with their core values, ethics, and brand identity.
Consequently, the organization took the unprecedented step of terminating its partnership with PT Capella Swastika Karya, the current franchise holder for Indonesia. The National Director, Poppy Capella, also faced the consequences of this decision. The Miss Universe Organization acknowledged the courage of the participants who came forward and reiterated their commitment to fostering a safe and empowering environment for women within the pageant industry.
An ongoing investigation is currently underway to address the allegations. Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, the spokesperson for the Jakarta police, confirmed the progress of the investigation, signaling the gravity of the situation.
The ramifications extended to the Miss Universe Malaysia franchise as well, as it shares ownership with the Indonesian counterpart. This situation has resulted in the unfortunate cancellation of the Miss Universe Malaysia competition for this year.
In response to the allegations, Poppy Capella, the Indonesia franchise director, released a comprehensive statement on her Instagram account. In her statement, she vehemently denied any involvement in the controversial body checks. Capella stressed her lack of awareness and participation in any violent or harassing actions during the organization of Miss Universe Indonesia 2023. She firmly condemned violence and sexual harassment, underscoring her unwavering commitment to these values.
Despite the turmoil, the Miss Universe Indonesia pageant, held from July 29 to August 3, successfully crowned Fabienne Nicole Groeneveld as its winner. The Miss Universe Organization has assured that Groeneveld will still have the opportunity to participate in the upcoming Miss Universe finale, scheduled for November in El Salvador. This decision serves as a testament to the organization’s commitment to fairness and continuity for the contestants.
