The Miss Universe Organization confirmed that it was cutting ties with the Indonesia franchisee and is canceling this year’s Malaysia pageant following sexual harassment claims from contestants.
According to their lawyer, the six Miss Universe Indonesia contestants filed complaints with the police, accusing organizers of sexual harassment and specifying that they were subjected to topless "body checks."
In a statement on Saturday through Twitter, the US-based organization decided to cut off its contract with PT Capella Swastika Karya and its national director, Poppy Capella, who holds the license for Miss Universe Malaysia.
"In light of what we have learned took place at Miss Universe Indonesia, it has become clear that this franchise has not lived up to our brand standards, ethics, or expectations as outlined in our franchise handbook and code of conduct," the MUO said.
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) August 12, 2023
It emphasized that the organization prioritizes providing a safe place for women.
"And the events at this particular pageant are diametrically opposed to everything we stand for as an organization," it added.
For Capella, she said in a statement posted on Instagram that she does not allow any form of sexual harassment.
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The Miss Universe Organization further said that it was evaluating its policies and procedures to avoid the same occurrence in the future, adding that there are no measurements of body dimensions required to join their pageant.
