Indonesia's Miss Universe Pageant Faces Allegations of Sexual Harassment: Official Partnership Terminated

In recent days, multiple participants of Indonesia's Miss Universe pageant have come forward with allegations of sexual harassment against the event's organizers. They claim that the contestants were asked to remove their undergarments for a supposed "examination of scars and cellulite."

One contestant revealed that she was instructed to pose in inappropriate positions, including spreading her legs. The contestant expressed, "I felt like I was being voyeurized. I was perplexed and extremely uncomfortable."

On August 12th, the Miss Universe organization announced the termination of their partnership with the Indonesian host, PT Capella Swastika Karya, and the cancellation of the upcoming beauty pageant in Malaysia (also organized by the same company).

The Miss Universe organization stated that the Indonesian organizers "clearly did not meet our brand standards, ethics, or expectations," emphasizing that the beauty pageant does not require submission of personal data such as height, weight, or body measurements.

The head of the event organizers, Capella, released a statement that evening, condemning any form of sexual harassment and stating they have never requested or mandated "sexual harassment through physical examinations." The New York City police have reported that an investigation has been launched into the complaints by the women.