Miss Grand International 2024 termination sparks online backlash
Rachel Gupta, 21, is an Indian model and beauty queen who made history as the first Indian to win the Miss Grand International title in 2024. Prior to this, she was crowned Miss Grand India 2024 and Miss Super Talent of the World 2022. - Photo: The Nation/ANN
NEW DELHI: Rachel Gupta, the 21-year-old model from Jalandhar who made history by becoming the first Indian to win the Miss Grand International title in 2024, has now relinquished her crown — just seven months into her reign.
However, the organisers mentioned that her title has been revoked, adding that 'the crown be returned to the MGI Head Office within 30 days from the date of this notice.'
The organisation's head office is in Bangkok.
The announcement quickly went viral, as it is rare for a titleholder to be dethroned mid-reign. Netizens swiftly began digging into the controversy, speculating and exposing alleged details.
Theories ranged from breaches of discipline and inappropriate behaviour to long-standing internal issues dating back to the day she was crowned.
Some even linked the dismissal to potential breaches of contract or silent defiance of the organisation's policies.
Fans have rallied behind Gupta, pushing the hashtag #JusticeForRachel to trend in several countries, while demanding a clearer explanation from the pageant organisation.
- Photo: Instagram
On Wednesday (May 28), Rachel announced her resignation on Instagram, citing 'broken promises, mistreatment and a toxic environment.'
Gupta addressed the situation via Instagram, stating:
'To all my supporters around the world: I'm truly sorry if this news has disappointed you. Please know this wasn't an easy decision, but it was the right one for me.'
'The truth will come out very soon. I love you all more than words can express. Thank you for standing by me.'
The following day, she released a YouTube video titled 'The Truth about Miss Grand International — My Story,' in which she offered an unfiltered account of her experience, levelling disturbing allegations against the pageant's organisers.
However, on its official Instagram page, Miss Grand International released a statement mentioning that Rachel's title was revoked due to 'her failure to fulfill her assigned duties, engagement in external projects without prior approval from the organisation, and her refusal to participate in the scheduled trip to Guatemala.'
'Miss Rachel Gupta is no longer authorized to use the title or wear the crown associated with Miss Grand International 2024,' it added.
- Photo: The Nation/ANN
Long-term impact of such experiences on mental health and self-worth
Gurleen Baruah, existential psychotherapist at That Culture Thing, tells indianexpress.com, 'In such environments, a woman's body becomes a product to be displayed, measured, and controlled. Over time, this relentless pressure can lead to internalised perfectionism, body dysmorphia, disordered eating, and a haunting belief that love, success, or safety depends entirely on how you look.'
What makes it even more harmful is the emotional isolation. Baruah explains that when you're surrounded by glamour but deprived of real support or autonomy, self-doubt turns into quiet self-rejection.
Signs that someone might be trapped in a toxic or exploitative environment
One of the clearest signs of a toxic or exploitative environment is the loss of personal autonomy.
Baruah states, 'When adults are denied access to essentials, and expected to perform happiness while privately struggling, it starts to mirror cult-like dynamics. Subservience is rewarded, dissent is punished, and over time, the person may begin to question their own judgement.'
Seeking help in these situations is hard, especially when power dynamics are steep and isolation is enforced.
But even the smallest act of reaching out — whether it's talking to a trusted family member, quietly messaging a friend, or contacting a support organisation — can begin to break the silence. - Agencies
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