The image of a beauty queen has traditionally represented aspiration, grace, and empowerment. The appeal of the pageant stage, however, endures for many young women despite growing criticisms of the industry, as it offers a special forum for advocacy, personal development, and a spotlight that is rarely available elsewhere. The organisers' conspicuous lack of female members was the most unsettling element of the pageant experience. The idea that a day meant to honour and strengthen women should be so strongly swayed by men to the detriment is perplexing. Imagine guys running a women's beauty pageant. This dichotomy has come into stark relief with the recent resignation of Rachel Gupta, a well-known Indian Miss Grand International (MGI) title winner.
Exposing the Illusion: A Whistleblower's Perspective on Hidden Gaps
Rachel described months of claimed harassment, emotional strain, and systemic pressure from the organisation in a 56-minute film that was made public on May 28, 2025. She described a poisonous culture that prioritised loyalty over well-being, continual surveillance, and a lack of autonomy. She disclosed that her fundamental requirements were frequently disregarded, including her remote country home far from the city, her dietary choices being disregarded, and her lack of access to a gym. Her anxiety and mental tiredness worsened when she was reportedly left to fend for herself with little assistance.
Additionally, Rachel described an important gathering that included MGI President Nawat Itsaragrisil and Vice President Teresa Chaivisut, where it was supposedly decided who was "not okay" to win based only on physical dimensions, and discussions revolved around contestants' body measurements. More worrisomely, she said that an MGI team member had visited her in private and improperly touched her in several places while also urging her to lose weight in particular areas to conform to their limited standards of beauty. However, it might crush their spirit when their fantasy and reality diverge. Due to the emotional and physical strain, they have witnessed many people experience severe anxiety and depression.
Spiralling through controversies and exploitation
This preference for sensationalism, which frequently results in online views and media buzz, appears to be ingrained in MGI's business strategy; one may remember the 2018 crowning, in which the winner passed out on stage, an event that, although worrisome for the individual, attracted a lot of international attention to the pageant. Additionally, MGI maintains the antiquated and objectifying custom of contestants' body measurements being revealed during the swimsuit phase, which has been abandoned by many major pageants. What comes out is a picture of an organisation that seems to value spectacle and control over empowerment and caring, frequently at the expense of the dignity of its competitors. Although MGI actively promotes itself using catchphrases like "Stop the War and Violence," which seems to be incompatible with dignity or peace in its own culture. Given its quiet during recent events like the India-Pakistan conflict, this theatrical advocacy seems hollow. Rachel Gupta openly expressed her fear and sense of helplessness while she was in Jalandhar, one of the blackout zones during the escalation. Her emotional openness stands in sharp contrast to the organisation's silence, which purports to support peace.
According to reports, things have become worse after Rachel's public departure. In what seems to be a troubling development, Nawat Itsaragrisil was criticised on Instagram for sharing false passport information associated with another person, Filipina beauty queen Kylie Verzosa, by misidentifying her as Rachel. In an apparent attempt to embarrass or discredit the family, he also allegedly shared pictures of Rachel's mother and sister having facial surgery in a Korean facility that he has ties to. If accurate, these behaviours indicate a chilling harassment campaign and represent a serious infringement of privacy. Given that Nawat was just appointed as Vice President for MUO Asiana, Rachel's mother, Jennifer Gupta, publicly condemned his activities on Instagram and demanded that the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) cut off all relations with him. The ethical status of international platforms like Miss Universe is now in danger, and the consequences go beyond a single contest.
The Price of Glory
Women who pursue such endeavours are more likely to spend more money than they would ever make, according to a NY Post report. Contestants in beauty pageants around the world struggle financially as they spend large sums of money, sometimes more than $5,000, in an attempt to improve their chances of winning at the national level. The cost of vying for the throne is frequently high. In order to attend the auditions, contestants must pay for their transportation, lodging, and meals. Contestants spend money on coaching and training to improve their chances of winning, which can be expensive.
Some grooming instructors educate you on how to move, posture, and prepare for the interview for hundreds of rupees every session. Only a small percentage of the girls who attend the auditions achieve their goals. The costs only increase from there if you are fortunate enough to be among the "lucky few." For example, designer dresses can easily cost thousands of rupees. In order to attain the ideal smile, beauty pageant participants frequently spend money on dental procedures, such as veneers. Beneath the glittering exterior of the beauty pageant industry is a cruel business that preys on young women who are easily influenced, selling them aspirations while depleting them of their money and mental resources.
It's time to expose these unethical behaviours and consider whether pageantry is worth the expense. Some people still adhere to antiquated ideas of obedience, control, and limited beauty standards, while others increasingly support activism, inclusivity, and liberty. It highlights a basic contradiction: how can a sector of the economy that is based on the idea of women's empowerment still participate in activities that seem to deprive women of their autonomy, welfare, and self-respect? It brings up important issues, such as: Who gets to be crowned? How much does it cost?
Contestant welfare, strong grievance redressal procedures, and contractual transparency must become non-negotiable. Representation must be liberating rather than restricting; empowerment cannot be conditional. It could enforce uniform contracts, mandate clear codes of conduct, guarantee access to mental health resources, look into abuse objectively, and promote a culture where warning signs are addressed rather than hidden under glitz and glamour. Young ladies who aspire to compete in pageants should think about the high expense of these endeavours. Rarely, if at all, is the money spent on expensive heels, makeup, and designer dresses recovered. You're not going to get your money back, much less benefit from the experience, unless you win...