It looks like there will not be a Miss Malaysia Universe as well, after it was revealed that Miss Universe Organisation has now cut ties with its Indonesia franchise, which also holds the license for Miss Universe Malaysia.
In a statement released by the organisation, it stated that the franchisee, PT Capella Swastika Karya and its National Director Poppy Capella have not lived up to their brand standards, ethics or expectation as outlined in their handbook.”
The announcement came after half a dozen women alleged that all the finalists for Miss Universe Indonesia were asked to strip for a supposed body check for scars and cellulite two days before the coronation event in Jakarta.
Jakarta police has also stated that they have now launched an investigation into the case.
The organisation also stressed that there are no measurements such as height, weight, or body dimensions required to join a Miss Universe pageant worldwide.
Meanwhile, Capella denied the allegations made in a statement that read, “I, as the National Director and as the owner of the Miss Universe Indonesia license, was not involved at all and have never known, ordered, requested or allowed anyone who played a role and participated in the process of organising Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 to commit violence or sexual harassment through body checking.”
She also added that she is against any form of violence or sexual harassment.
Although the Miss Universe Malaysia competition was affected by it, it is noted that Indonesia still was able to choose a representative to the 2023 Miss Universe pageant following the incident, with the crown won by Fabienne Nicole Groeneveld.
