Miss Universe Cuts Ties with Indonesian Franchisee Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

The Miss Universe Organization has ended its partnership with the Indonesian franchisee, PT Capella Swastika Karya, and cancelled the Miss Universe Malaysia pageant for this year over allegations of sexual harassment by contestants. The organization stated that the franchise did not meet its brand standards, ethics, and expectations, and that ensuring a safe environment for women is their top priority.

Six Miss Universe Indonesia contestants filed complaints of sexual harassment, including inappropriate “body checks,” leading to a police investigation. The organization has emphasized that there are no specific measurement or body dimension requirements to participate in their pageant worldwide.

The national director and license owner for Miss Universe Indonesia, Poppy Capella, issued a statement on Instagram, disavowing any involvement in or knowledge of the reported sexual harassment during the process of organizing Miss Universe Indonesia 2023.

The Jakarta contest aimed to select Indonesia’s representative for the annual Miss Universe competition, which is scheduled to take place in El Salvador later this year. In response to the incident, the Miss Universe Organization is reviewing its policies and procedures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.