Sexual Harassment Complaint At Miss Universe Selection
The Miss Universe pageant is celebrated globally for its glitz, glamour, and representation of diverse cultures and beauty. However, like any organization or event, it is not immune to challenges, including issues of sexual harassment. Recent incidents have highlighted the importance of fostering a safe and respectful environment within the Miss Universe community
Several Complaints
Recently Servel Miss Universe Indonesia candidates have filed complaints with the police and accused the organizer of sexual harassment. A lawyer who complained for her client said that Two days before the finals on August 3, Contestants were asked to remove their Tops in the name of ‘Body Check’ and for photographs. Participating in a beauty pageant is allowed in Indonesia. In the year 2013 when this Miss World pageant was held they canceled their round called the bikini round in order to ensure the safety of the contestants and the respect of county’s law the pageant was held.
Law in Indonesia
The police of Jakarta said that the complaints of the contestants would be used as the basis for further investigation. The punishment for sexual abuse in Indonesia is up to 15 years in prison. The lawyer Melissa Engrini is representing three candidates in this pageant. They also said many other complaints will also come forward. According to the reports six candidates have filed their complaints in the police. The lawyer further said that candidates were told that the purpose of a body check was to check a mark or tattoo on their body.
Statement of Poppy Capella
Indonesia celebrity Poppy Capella said in a statement that the Miss Universe Indonesia organization will investigate the allegations.
Statement of Global Miss Universe Organization
The Global Miss Universe Organization also said that they are also looking into the matter and that it will take the matter and the allegations very seriously. Even some of the Complainants spoke with the press, television blurred their faces to protect their identities. One of the women said that she feels that it is her right to seek justice. The incident through which she went affected her mentally and now she has trouble sleeping because of the overthinking. She also said that even though the body was examined in a closed room there were some men in that room. The women also said that the door of the room was not fully closed which allowed people from outside to see what was going on inside.
Statement of Former Miss Indonesia
Maria Harfanti won the third position in the Miss World Pagent in 2015. She said that body inspection is common in the country but the women participating in the competition are not usually asked to get naked. She also said that the organizers often asked for contestant’s BMI, Body Mass Index to check their body proportions.
Conclusion
The Miss Universe competition is not just about beauty; it’s about empowerment, diversity, and representing the aspirations of women worldwide. However, the journey toward empowerment must include the elimination of all forms of harassment and discrimination. By openly addressing sexual harassment complaints, implementing robust reporting mechanisms, fostering education, and collaborating with advocacy groups, the Miss Universe organization can truly demonstrate its commitment to creating a pageant that reflects the ideals of respect, equality, and empowerment for all participants.