Contestants from Indonesia made troubling allegations against the local pageant organizers, PT Capella Swastika Karya, associated with the Miss Universe organization. These contestants detailed unsettling incidents where they were asked to present themselves in underwear for “body checks” in a room with a sizeable audience, including men.
The exercise was meant to inspect for scars or cellulite. A more disturbing revelation followed when five contestants revealed that they were photographed topless, a process their legal representative claims was unnecessary.
Consequences and Actions Taken
Reacting to these revelations, the Miss Universe Organization conducted an inquiry, leading them to cut ties with the Indonesian representation.
The organization emphasized its commitment to providing a safe environment for women and announced that such conduct did not align with their standards, ethics, and expectations. They even extended their decision to Malaysia, cancelling the local pageant edition there due to the involvement of the same organizing company.
Stances on the Matter
While the Miss Universe Organization has been clear in its condemnation of the alleged acts and is now re-evaluating its international policies, Poppy Capella, the founder of PT Capella Swastika Karya, has denied involvement in the events that led to the complaint. Capella expressed strong opposition to “violence and sexual harassment.” Amidst these controversies, Fabienne Nicole Groeneveld, the winner of the Indonesian contest, received an exception to represent her country in the upcoming international event in El Salvador.
