Six finalists in this year’s Miss Universe Indonesia beauty pageant have lodged police complaints accusing organizers of making them strip for “body checks” and topless photos.
Speaking to the media outside provincial police central command in the capital Jakarta on Tuesday August 8, Mellisa Anggraini, a lawyer representing the women, claimed that her clients had been asked to take off their tops so event officials could “look at scars, cellulite or tattoos,” she said.
One candidate, referred to as just “N”, had expressed shock since “body checks” were not listed in the event’s timetable, as per Anggraini. The unidentified lady went along and was shot topless, as were four other of the women.
“It was enough to humiliate and degrade her,” the lawyer said in comments aired by CNN.
At a public interview one more unidentified hopeful, whose face was hidden by local telecasters, said she had been asked to pose improperly, including by opening her legs.
The complainants say the photos were taken with male officials present in the room. Extra proof such as documents and videos were submitted along with the police report, Anggraini said.
The supposed episodes occurred on August 1, two days before the grand final in Jakarta, she added.
Police spokesperson called Yuliansyah, told reporters that formal complaints were filed on Monday and investigations were ongoing. “The complaints will be used as the basis for our investigation,” she said.
The Miss Universe pageant takes place every year in a different host country, and sees dozens of national pageant winners competing for the global title. The live event attracts global audiences of millions.
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In a statement shared, Miss Universe organizers said they knew about the charges made against the Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 event, which is operated by a local franchisee.
“Miss Universe takes allegations of sexual abuse and impropriety extremely seriously,” the statement read. “Providing a safe place for women is the Miss Universe Organization’s utmost priority, and we are looking into this matter.”
“We are actively investigating the allegations that have been reported in the mass media,” Capella’s statement read. “We will conduct a thorough investigation and review allegations made against us. We will promptly take the necessary stance and actions regarding this issue and ascertain the truth.”
Organizers have not commented at this point.
