Miss Universe contestants in Indonesia accuse organisers of sexual harassment: what is known

Six Miss Universe contestants in Indonesia have accused the pageant organisers of sexual harassment by filing complaints with the police. Law enforcement officials assured that an investigation would be conducted.

The beauty contest in Indonesia was held in the capital Jakarta from 29 July to 3 August. According to the models, the organisers asked them to strip down to their underwear "to check their bodies". The incident was reported in local news outlet Official iNews.

The girls reported to the police that they were asked to undress for an alleged medical examination in a room with more than 20 people, most of them men. The participants were then photographed topless. The applicants' lawyer, Mellisa Angraeni, stressed that there was no need for such 'checks'.

One of the models later added at a press conference that the organisers had asked her to pose in an inappropriate position, including with her legs open.

Representatives of the international Miss Universe pageant, owned by Thai transgender media mogul Jakapong "Ann" Jakrayuthatip, responded to the incident. They assured that they would look into the matter.

"Miss Universe takes allegations of sexual violence and misconduct very seriously. Ensuring a safe place for women is a top priority for the Miss Universe organisation," the organisation said in a statement.

It should be noted that religious groups in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, have previously opposed beauty pageants in general.

We would like to add that Miss Universe will be held in El Salvador this December. The exact date will be announced later.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, on 8 July, Miss Netherlands 2023 was held and 22-year-old model and actress Rikki Colle won the contest. She will be the first transgender representative of the Netherlands and the second such participant in the history of the Miss Universe pageant. Read more in our article.

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