Beauty Queen Steps Down Amid Harassment Claims, Organization Denies Allegations

Published: June 5, 2025

Rachel Gupta, the Indian beauty queen who was crowned Miss Grand International in October 2024, has tearfully stepped down from her title, citing harassment and mistreatment by the organization. In a nearly hour-long YouTube video, Gupta detailed her alleged experience, claiming she was constantly harassed, manipulated, and left to fend for herself.

Gupta alleged that she was forced to sign a "one-sided" contract that gave her little room to say no to those in charge of the title. In exchange, she expected that the accommodations promised to her as part of winning the crown would be provided. However, she claimed that she was not provided with the monthly stipend, penthouse lodging, and "basic amenities" she was promised.

She also alleged that she was ridiculed for her weight, with officials pinching her in places and telling her she needed to lose weight. Gupta tearfully claimed that she was "stuck" in Thailand, not allowed to go home to India, and had "no security." When she was on their grounds, $1,000 allegedly went missing, and MGI did not help her in that situation.

In response to Gupta's allegations, Miss Grand International has released a statement, calling her claims "false" and "misleading." The statement reads, "Miss Grand International Public Company Limited (MGI) issues this formal statement in response to a series of false, misleading, and defamatory claims made publicly by Ms. Rachel Gupta, former Miss Grand International 2024."

The statement continues, "Furthermore, Ms. Gupta made specific allegations directed at Ms. Teresa Chaivisut, the Chief Operating Officer of MGI. We firmly state that every accusation made against Ms. Teresa is entirely false and without merit."

Miss Grand International has announced that they are rescinding Gupta's crown, vehemently denying her claims. They have also announced that Ana Sofía Lendl, Miss Grand Guatemala, will be their new Miss Grand International.

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