A lawyer asserts that Miss Universe contestants underwent scrutiny to detect ‘scars, cellulite, or tattoos’.
At least seven Miss Universe Indonesia contestants have reported instances of alleged sexual harassment, claiming that they were compelled to undergo “body checks,” according to the contestants’ attorney. The attorney, Mellisa Anggraini, stated that seven finalists who participated in the pageant held between July 29 and August 3 in Jakarta, accused pageant officials of requiring them to remove their clothing and underwear for examinations involving “scars, cellulite, or tattoos” on their bodies.
The reported checks took place in the presence of about two dozen individuals, including men, within the ballroom of the Sari Pacific Hotel where the pageant was conducted, as noted by Anggraini. “We have obtained some evidence, even videos showing that the organizer had carried out ‘body checks,'” the attorney added. Furthermore, Anggraini stated that five of the contestants claimed they were photographed without tops during the checks.
Priskila Ribka Jelita, a 23-year-old contestant, recounted her experience in an interview with The Associated Press: “When they asked me to open my bra… I was shocked! But I couldn’t speak or refuse. When I tried to cover my breast with my hand, I was even scolded and yelled at.” Jelita, who is one of Anggraini’s clients, described feeling “confused, nervous, and humiliated” during the process, particularly when she was instructed to lift her leg for an examination on the inside of her thigh.
The contestants’ attorney revealed that they were unaware that they would be subjected to such body checks, believing they were simply gathering for a fitting in the ballroom. Anggraini mentioned that more contestants might come forward to file similar complaints regarding the alleged body checks.
In response to the allegations, the Miss Universe Organization announced its decision to sever ties with its Indonesian franchisee, PT Capella Swastika Karya, and the director responsible for both Miss Universe Indonesia and Miss Universe Malaysia, Poppy Capella. The organization stated, “In light of what we have learned took place at Miss Universe Indonesia, it has become clear that this franchise has not lived up to our brand standards and ethics.”
The organization further declared the cancellation of this year’s Miss Universe Malaysia pageant, as the same franchisee holds the license for that event. The former director of Miss Universe Indonesia, Poppy Capella, denied any knowledge of the reported body checks and disavowed any involvement, also condemning “violence and sexual harassment.”
The Miss Universe organization expressed gratitude to the contestants who spoke out for their “bravery” and emphasized that measurements or weight are not prerequisites for participation in the contests. The statement concluded by expressing apologies to the women from the Indonesian pageant who had such an experience with the organization.
Fox News contributed to this story.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
