Miss Universe Indonesia crown.Photo:Miss Universe Indonesia/Instagram
Miss Universe Indonesia/Instagram
SixMiss UniverseIndonesia contestants have filed complaints against pageant organizers following this year’s pageant.
Mellisa Anggraeni, an attorney who is representing the women, claimed five of the contestants were asked to take off their tops for “body checks” two days before the final round of this year’s pageant on Aug. 3, according toReutersandCNN.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Anggraeni alleged organizers said this was so they could “examine any scars, cellulite or tattoos on their bodies,” theBBCreported.
The women also claimed they were photographed topless while men were present, per the outlets.
A local police spokesperson told reporters the formal complaints were filed on Monday and will serve as “the basis for our investigation,” according to CNN
In astatementshared Monday on Instagram, Miss Universe Indonesia director Poppy Capella claimed the allegations are “baseless and false." Capella went on to say the pageant “prides itself on upholding the highest standards of fairness, transparency, and professionalism."
“We respect freedom of speech and the right to one’s opinion,” Capella added. “However, spreading unfounded and damaging allegations against our organization is not only reprehensible but potentially libelous.”
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“Providing a safe place for women is the Miss Universe Organization’s utmost priority, and we are looking into this matter,” organizers said.
At the time, Jakrajutatip said in a statement that JKN was “honored” to work with Miss Universe’s “visionary leadership team,” according toVariety.
“We seek not only to continue its legacy of providing a platform to passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and traditions, but also to evolve the brand for the next generation,” she added.
source: people.com
