JAKARTA: Several contestants participating in the Miss Universe Indonesia beauty pageant have come forward with allegations of sexual harassment against the organizers, leading to a police investigation. The complaint stems from an incident in which the seven finalists were unexpectedly asked to strip for a supposed body check just two days before the crowning ceremony of the pageant held in Jakarta.
According to the contestants’ lawyer Mellisa Anggraini, officials from PT Capella Swastika Karya, the license holder of Miss Universe in Indonesia, claimed that the body checks were necessary to examine scars, cellulite, or tattoos on the contestants’ bodies. However, the finalists were reportedly not informed in advance that such a procedure would take place, as it was initially presented as a fitting session.
Miss Universe Indonesia Lodges Complains
All 30 finalists in the pageant were subjected to the unexpected body check, with five of them having their pictures taken. The number of contestants coming forward with complaints is expected to increase, as more finalists have given the lawyer the authority to report the incidents.
Jakarta police spokesperson Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko confirmed that a police report had been filed by the contestants, prompting an official investigation into the matter.
Poppy Capella, national director of Miss Universe Indonesia, did not directly address the allegations in an Instagram post, but acknowledged the voices of those who shared their perspectives on the incident.
Miss Universe’s global organization has not yet responded to requests for comment.
The Miss Universe Indonesia competition aimed to select the country’s representative for this year’s Miss Universe contest. The allegations of sexual harassment have raised concerns about the treatment of contestants in beauty pageants and the need for proper safeguards to ensure their well-being and dignity.
