Miss Universe Indonesia contestants say they were asked to strip for pictures

According to Anggraini, one candidate — who only went by the initial “N” — expressed dismay that “body checks” were not included in the event’s agenda. The unnamed woman obliged and allowed herself to be photographed topless along with the other four women. “It was enough to humiliate and degrade her,” the lawyer said in comments aired by CNN Indonesia.

Another participant, whose face was obscured by local broadcasters, said that she had been urged to pose inappropriately, including by opening her legs, at a press conference, according to Reuters.

The complainants assert that male officials were present when the photos were shot. The police complaint was presented with other proof, such as documents and recordings, according to Anggraini.

She further stated that the alleged assaults happened on August 1, which was two days before the grand finale in Jakarta.

Official complaints were made on Monday, according to police spokesperson Yuliansyah, according to CNN. “The complaints will be used as the basis for our investigation,” she was quoted as saying by the outlet.

Numerous national pageant winners compete for the title of Miss Universe at the annual competition, which is held in a different host nation each year. The live event draws millions of viewers from around the world.

Miss Universe officials informed in a statement that they were aware of the accusations levelled against the local franchise-run Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 competition.

“Miss Universe takes allegations of sexual abuse and impropriety extremely seriously,” the statement read. “Providing a safe place for women is the Miss Universe Organisation’s utmost priority, and we are looking into this matter.”

According to the report, the directors of the Indonesian pageant did not react to requests for comment, but they did say in a statement posted on Instagram by director Poppy Capella that they were “closely monitoring the situation.”

“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.”

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