Miss Universe organiser pulls MY edition of contest following harassment claims

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The Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) is cancelling this year’s Malaysian edition of the pageant as well as cutting ties with its Indonesian franchisee after contestants accused local organisers of sexual harassment.

The organisation posted on its official Twitter page over the weekend that it had decided to end its contract with PT Capella Swastika Karya and its national director, Poppy Capella, who is also the licensed organiser of Miss Universe Malaysia.

Don't miss: MY YouTuber Lim Shang Jin apologises for harassing ex-Miss Universe runner-up

"I emphasise 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 organising Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 to commit sexual harassment through body checking as reported," said Capella in a statement posted to its Instagram page.

The contestants had reportedly filed complaints of sexual harassment, stating that they were subjected to topless ‘body checks’.

“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, ethics or expectations as outlined in our franchise handbook and code of conduct,” the statement added.

The statement went on to say that providing a safe place for women is the organisation’s top priority and that what transpired during Miss Universe Indonesia is diametrically opposed to everything MUO stood for as an organisation.

“We are also evaluating our current franchise agreement as well as our policies and procedures to prevent this type of conduct from occurring and to ensure that future events worldwide remain within the brand standards that we have set out for all of our international franchises,” MUO said. In addition, MOU also apologised to the contestants who came forward with complaints. "We are sorry that this was your experience with our organisation. We appreciate your bravery in speaking out, and we pledge to do better in the future," it said.

A+M has reached out to MOU for more information.

This is not the first we have heard of the Miss Universe name being attached to harassment allegations. In September last year, Malaysian YouTuber Lim Shang Jin apologised for harassing Serene Claire, former Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 runner-up whose real name is Serene Chai. Chai revealed on Instagram that she was harassed by an acquaintance. While she didn't reveal his full name, Chai listed him as a "famous Chinese Youtuber LxJ".

She explained on Instagram that the acquaintance seemed rather drunk when they bumped into each other at a party. He then asked for her number before kissing her on the cheek and requesting a selfie. The acquaintance also asked if she wanted to head over to his private house and touched Chai. Subsequently, the acquaintance told Chai not to worry because it was only two seconds and nobody would know or would have seen it. Chai, however, was shocked and yelled at him. "I cried, I was so disgusted, I felt so violated. How could he do this to me?" she added. Chai also said that the acquaintance never apologised and his friends advised her to avoid him in future.

Lim then issued an apology to Chai on Instagram, saying that he is extremely sorry for hurting her with his actions and admitted his wrongdoing. Lim said he is also aware that he is to be solely responsible for his actions and shouldn't blame it on the alcohol. Neither should he blame it on his friends who were drinking with him at the time of the incident.

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