6 Participants, Competition Official Accused of Sexual Harassment
"Unexpected Naked Inspection... Even Took Photos"
Participants who competed in the Miss Universe Indonesia pageant have filed a lawsuit against the pageant officials, alleging sexual abuse including naked inspections.
According to the British BBC and others on the 9th (local time), six participants in the pageant held in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, from the 29th of last month to the 3rd, filed a lawsuit against the pageant officials on charges of sexual harassment. It was reported that they suffered mental distress due to an unexpected naked inspection.
Melissa Anggraini, the lawyer representing the plaintiffs, claimed, "Two days before the final round, the officials conducted an unannounced naked inspection on the 30 finalists, saying they needed to check for scars, cellulite, tattoos, and so on."
She added, "The participants had to remove all their underwear and undergo a physical examination in a space with more than 20 people, including men," and "During this process, some participants were photographed while topless."
Candidates participating in Miss Universe Indonesia sitting together. [Image source=Miss Universe Indonesia Organizing Committee]
An anonymous participant told local media KompasTV, "It was very uncomfortable and confusing because it felt like others were peeping," and "We were also asked to take inappropriate poses, such as spreading our legs."
The participants revealed that they were unable to sleep due to mental distress. At the time, closed-circuit television (CCTV) was installed at the judging site, raising concerns that the footage might have been recorded and could lead to further harm. When the controversy arose, the officials stated that they had deleted the related materials.
The Miss Universe organizing committee issued a statement saying, "We are aware of the allegations and are conducting an internal investigation." They added, "We take allegations of sexual abuse and inappropriate behavior very seriously," and "The safety of women is the top priority of the Miss Universe organization."
The Jakarta police stated, "The complaint was received on the 7th, and police investigation and inquiry will be conducted." It was reported that some judges have resigned from their positions.
Miss Universe Indonesia finals scene. [Image source=Miss Universe Indonesia official website capture]
Meanwhile, the controversy over sexual harassment in the beauty pageant of Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, is causing a bigger stir. Miss Universe, which was first held in 1952 and is now in its 73rd edition, is very popular in Southeast Asian countries including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand.
Last year, Thailand's JKN Global Group attracted public attention by purchasing 100% of the shares of the Miss Universe organizing committee from IMG Worldwide for $20 million (approximately 26.4 billion KRW).
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