Miss Universe Organization, Indonesian franchise split over harassment claims

The Miss Universe Organization (MUO)split with its Indonesian franchise over sexual harassment allegations.

The move follows Six Miss Universe Indonesia contestants filing complaints with police accusing organizers of sexual harassment, saying they were subjected to topless “body checks”.

In a statement released on Saturday 12^th /August /2023 by MUO, the franchise failed to  live up to its brand standards, ethics, and  expectations as outlined in the  franchise handbook and code of conduct which called for the termination of the relationship.

MUO  also canceled this year’s Malaysia pageant due to the fact that it is run by the same company “The Indonesian franchise”, explaining that it is evaluating its policies and procedures to avoid similar occurrences.

In a lengthy statement posted on Instagram, the Indonesian franchise Director Poppy Capella denied involvement in any body checks. She however condemned the gesture of sexually abusing the women.

“I emphasize that I, as the national director and license owner for Miss Universe Indonesia, was not involved at all and have never known, ordered, requested, or allowed anyone who plays a role and participated in the process of organizing Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 to commit sexual harassment through body checking as reported,” Capella noted.

Meanwhile, the two organizations cut ties before the pageant's crowning ceremony and the 2023 Indonesia's Ms will compete with the organization's support.

"Indonesia's Ms. Fabienne Nicole Groeneveld who won the contest to represent her country in the 2023 Miss Universe finals in November will compete with the organization's support", MUO revealed.