Miss Universe Indonesia contestants complain of sexual harassment
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The beauty pageant, which ended on Aug 3, has been marred by accusations from some contestants.
PHOTO: MISS UNIVERSE INDONESIA/FACEBOOK
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JAKARTA - Six contestants of a Miss Universe Indonesia pageant have filed complaints with the police, accusing organisers of sexual harassment after they alleged they were subjected to topless “body checks”, their lawyer said on Tuesday.
Police confirmed that contestants had filed a report, and that it would be investigated.
The Indonesian contestants of the beauty pageant, held in the capital Jakarta from July 29 to Aug 3, said the organisers asked five of them to strip to their underwear for physical examinations in a room with more than 20 people, including men, present.
The five contestants were then photographed topless, said their lawyer, Ms Mellisa Anggraeni, adding that there was no need for such checks. Six contestants had filed complaints, she said.
The Miss Universe Organisation said in a statement on Tuesday that it had been made aware of the allegations and it was looking into this matter.
“Miss Universe takes allegations of sexual abuse and impropriety extremely seriously. Providing a safe place for women is the Miss Universe Organisation’s utmost priority,” it said.
One of the complainants told a press conference, broadcast by news channel Kompas TV, that she had been asked to pose inappropriately, including by spreading her legs.
“I felt like I was being peeked on. I was very confused and uncomfortable,” said the unidentified woman. The broadcaster blurred her face.
Reuters tried to contact the company that runs the Miss Universe Indonesia pageant, PT Capella Swastika Karya, and the company’s founder, Ms Poppy Capella, through their social media accounts, but they did not respond.
Reuters was not able to find contact details for a company spokesman. The Miss Universe Organisation did not immediately respond to an e-mailed request for comment.
Jakarta police spokesman Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko said a report from contestants had been received on Monday, and that it would be investigated.
Religious groups in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim country, have, in the past, objected to beauty pageants.
Thai celebrity media tycoon and transgender rights advocate Jakapong “Anne” Jakrajutatip bought the Miss Universe Organisation
The contest in Jakarta was held to select Indonesia’s entry for the annual Miss Universe competition, to be held in El Salvador in late 2023.
The contest by the Miss Universe Organisation, which was co-owned by Donald Trump between 1996 and 2002, has been running since 1952. REUTERS
