Following allegations of sexual harassment by participants against local organizers, the Miss Universe Organization announced it was severing connections with its Indonesian franchisee and canceling this year’s Malaysia competition.
Late on Saturday, the American organization announced via email that it had chosen to end its relationship with PT Capella Swastika Karya and national director Poppy Capella, who also holds the Miss Universe Malaysia license. According to their attorney, six Miss Universe Indonesia competitors have complained to the police, accusing the organizers of sexual harassment and stating they were forced to topless “body checks.” Attempts to reach the Jakarta police for comment on Sunday were unsuccessful. On Tuesday, the spokesperson Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko stated that the report would be looked into. In a statement posted on Instagram, Capella said that she does not support any kind of sexual harassment. “I emphasize that I was not involved at all and have never known, ordered, requested or allowed anyone who plays a role and participated in the process of organizing Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 to commit sexual harassment through body checking as reported,” she said. “I am the national director and license owner for Miss Universe Indonesia. The Jakarta event was held to choose Indonesia’s representative for the upcoming Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador. The Miss Universe Organization stated that it was reviewing its regulations and procedures to prevent a repeat of the incident and that there are no requirements for size or body type to compete in their competition worldwide.
