‘Topless physique checks’: Miss Universe Indonesia contestants file harassment complaints

Six contestants of a Miss Universe Indonesia pageant have filed complaints with police accusing organisers of sexual harassment after they alleged they have been subjected to topless “body checks”, their lawyer stated on Tuesday.

Police confirmed contestants had filed a report that may be investigated.

The Indonesian contestants of the Indonesian magnificence pageant, held within the capital Jakarta from July 29 to Aug. 3, stated the organisers requested 5 of them to strip to their underwear for bodily examinations in a room with greater than 20 individuals, together with males.

The 5 contestants have been then photographed topless, stated their lawyer, Mellisa Anggraeni, including there was no want for such checks. Six contestants had filed complaints, she stated.

The Miss Universe Organization stated in a press release on Tuesday that it had been made conscious of the allegations and it was wanting into this matter.

“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,” it stated.

One of the complainants informed a press convention, broadcast by information channel Kompas TV, that she had been requested to pose inappropriately, together with by opening her legs.

“I felt like I was being peeked on, I was very confused and uncomfortable,” stated the unidentified lady. The broadcaster blurred her face.

Reuters tried to contact the corporate that runs the Miss Universe Indonesia pageant, PT Capella Swastika Karya, and the corporate’s founder, Poppy Capella, by their social media accounts however they didn’t reply.

Reuters was not capable of finding contact particulars for an organization spokesperson.

Jakarta police spokesperson Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko stated a report from contestants had been obtained on Monday and it could be investigated.

Religious teams in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation, have previously objected to magnificence pageants.

Thai superstar media tycoon and transgender rights advocate Jakapong “Anne” Jakrajutatip purchased the Miss Universe Organization for $20 million final yr.

The contest in Jakarta was held to pick Indonesia’s entry for the annual Miss Universe competitors to be held in El Salvador late this yr.

The contest run by the Miss Universe Organization, which was co-owned by Donald Trump between 1996 and 2002, has been operating since 1952.

Edited By:

chingkheinganbi mayengbam

Published On:

Aug 8, 2023