The Dark Side of Beauty Pageants: Contestants Speak Out

Recent controversies in beauty pageants have brought to light the struggles faced by contestants. Miss England 2024, Milla Magee, left the Miss World competition citing personal issues, while Rachel Gupta returned her crown over allegations of a toxic environment. Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu also faced online trolling regarding her weight gain. These incidents raise questions about the pressures of beauty standards and the need for transparency within pageant organizations. Read on to explore the stories behind these challenges and the call for change in the industry.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 3, 2025, 05:28 IST

Controversies Surrounding Major Pageants

The world of beauty pageants has recently been marred by controversies, as Miss England 2024, Milla Magee, exited the Miss World competition in Hyderabad, citing personal and ethical issues. Meanwhile, Rachel Gupta reportedly returned her Miss Grand International 2024 crown, claiming a toxic atmosphere and unfulfilled promises. Additionally, Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu faced harsh criticism online for her weight gain, highlighting the less glamorous aspects of pageantry.

Purpose vs. Presentation: A Dilemma

As the Miss World event unfolded, Milla Magee left the competition, reportedly due to family issues. Following her departure, Charlotte Grant, the runner-up, stepped in to take her place. In a statement to a British publication, Magee expressed her dissatisfaction with the pageant environment, which she felt contradicted her vision of 'beauty with a purpose.' She claimed contestants were pressured to wear makeup and formal attire throughout the day, feeling exploited as mere entertainment for sponsors.

Milla stated, "I believed this was a significant opportunity to promote my campaign for mandatory CPR training in schools. It’s not about my appearance or attire; it’s about the message I want to convey."

However, Julia Morley, CEO of Miss World, refuted these claims, stating that Magee left due to a family emergency concerning her mother's health. The organization emphasized their compassion in arranging her return to England and dismissed the allegations as unfounded. They also released unedited footage of Magee during her stay, showcasing her positive sentiments about the experience, which contradicted the narratives circulating in the media.

Allegations of Mistreatment

In another incident, Rachel Gupta from Jalandhar claimed she faced neglect during her stay at a hotel in Thailand, alleging a lack of food and basic cooking supplies. She also reported experiencing body shaming, stating that a representative pressured her to lose weight. Gupta accused the organization of unfair practices, including vote-buying and harassment.

The Miss Grand International Organization responded by stating that Gupta was terminated for not fulfilling her responsibilities and engaging in unauthorized projects. Christine Julian Opiaza from the Philippines has since been appointed to take over her title.

Body Image Struggles

Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu, Miss Universe 2021, has also faced severe online trolling regarding her weight gain. She publicly shared her battle with coeliac disease, which affects her diet. Sandhu has remained resilient, advocating for body positivity and encouraging others to embrace their beauty regardless of societal pressures. She stated, "I believe in body positivity. Many individuals face trolling daily, and I want to empower them by showing that feeling beautiful is possible for everyone."

The question remains: Are the expectations placed on these contestants too high, or is it a call for genuine change? The answer may vary, but it is clear that pageant organizers must ensure transparency and accountability to align their ideals with the real experiences of the participants.