The US-based organization said in an emailed statement late on Saturday that it had decided to end its contract with PT Capella Swastika Karya and its national director Poppy Capella, who also holds the license for Miss Universe Malaysia.
Six Miss Universe Indonesia contestants filed complaints with the police accusing the organizers of sexual harassment, saying they were subjected to “body searches” topless, their lawyer said Tuesday.
“It has become clear that this franchise has not lived up to the standards, ethics and expectations of our brand, as outlined in the franchise manual and code of conduct,” the Miss Universe Organization stated. adding that providing a safe place for the women was her top priority.
Jakarta police did not respond to a request for comment on Sunday. Spokesman Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko said Tuesday that the complaint would be investigated.
Capella said in a statement on Instagram that she does not condone any form of sexual harassment.
“I stress that I, as the national director and license holder of Miss Universe Indonesia, was not involved at all and have never known, ordered, requested or allowed anyone to play a role and participate in the process of organizing Miss Universo Indonesia 2023 committing sexual harassment through body searches as has been reported,” he said.
The Jakarta pageant was held to select the Indonesian candidate for the annual Miss Universe pageant, which will be held in El Salvador later this year.
The Miss Universe organization stated that it was evaluating its policies and procedures to avoid similar occurrences in the future, adding that there are no requirements for body measurements or dimensions to participate in its worldwide pageant.
