Allegations have emerged that during the 2022 Miss Universe Indonesia (MUID) pageant, 30 finalists were subjected to strip searches, and five contestants were reportedly photographed topless.
The Miss Universe Organization has severed ties with the Indonesian franchise, citing a failure to meet brand standards and ethical expectations, according to a statement released on social media.
Accusations
Local media reports suggest that at least eight finalists have filed complaints with the Jakarta police, accusing local event organizers of sexual abuse.
Legal representatives for one of the finalists claim that a strip search was conducted to assess for ‘scars and cellulite’ at a hotel prior to the MUID finals. It is alleged that these searches were carried out in front of approximately twenty individuals, including men. Some contestants also claim that they were then photographed partially nude against their will.
Hengki Haryadi, Jakarta’s Police Director, stated that the alleged victims felt compelled to undress and “pose inappropriately for body checking, which left them traumatized.”
Miss Universe's Response
Global organizers of the pageant have strongly condemned the alleged abuse in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter). In response, they have canceled the upcoming Miss Universe Malaysia pageant, which shares organizers with MUID.
MUID's Response
Local organizers in Indonesia have vehemently denied all claims of sexual abuse, characterizing the allegations as “speculation and falsehoods.” Poppy Capella, the director of the pageant organizer in Indonesia, asserted that she was unaware of any strip searches taking place under her supervision.
“I am firmly against any form of violence or sexual harassment,” Capella stated on social media.
