The Miss Universe Organization Cut Ties With Its Indonesian Franchisee Due To Sexual Harassment Claims

The Miss Universe Organization has decided to sever its connection with the Indonesian franchisee and will be canceling an upcoming pageant scheduled to take place in Malaysia.

On Saturday, the organization announced its decision to formally end its association with PT Capella Swastika Karya and its national director, Poppy Capella. Following recent events, six participants of a Miss Universe Indonesia competition filed formal complaints. They alleged that the event’s local organizers demanded they remove their outer garments for a “body check.” This procedure occurred in a room with approximately twenty-four individuals, including men and women. Additionally, five contestants claimed that they were photographed topless after the check.

“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 and ethics,” the organization said.

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The company’s founder, Poppy Capella, refuted any personal involvement in the physical assessment conducted during the competition. She emphasized her stance against all forms of “violence and sexual harassment.”

“I, as the National Director and as the owner of the Miss Universe Indonesia license, was not involved at all and have never known, ordered, requested, or allowed anyone who played a role and participated in the Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 process to commit violence or sexual harassment through body checking,” she said.

Nevertheless, the organization is also canceling the Miss Universe Malaysia event for this year. This decision is rooted in the fact that the Indonesian franchisee, which also possesses the license for the Malaysian pageant, is involved. The organization went on to clarify that alternative arrangements would be made for the winner of the 2023 Miss Universe Indonesia title to participate in the upcoming Miss Universe competition.