Latest news with #MGI
Hindustan Times
33 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Internet calls Miss Grand International President ‘shameless' after he body shames Rachel Gupta in ‘shocking' post
Rachel Gupta, the 21-year-old who won the Miss Grand International (MGI) 2024, recently sparked controversy after her resignation from the title. Days after Rachel announced that she would be stepping down from her role, Instagram posts of Vice President of Miss Universe (Asiana) and Miss Grand International president Nawat Itsaragrisil have surfaced where he body shamed her and accused her of getting 'surgery' done. Also Read | Rachel Gupta cries, shares truth about Miss Grand International: 'Made to sell cheap products on TikTok like salesgirl' Per the screenshots shared by the Instagram page Indian Pageant and Glamour, Nawat had shared two photos of Rachel on his Instagram stories, which he captioned, 'Before' and 'After'. He also posted another image of Rachel, accusing her of getting surgery done. 'She don't talk and she don't get authorised from organisation when we ask her she said she ate protein a lot. She confirmed no surgery at all…(sic).' A post shared by Indian Pageant and Glamour (@pageantandglamour) The Instagram page Indian Pageant and Glamour shared the post with the caption, 'There should be no place for a person like him in an organisation like Miss Universe @missuniverse. It should be a platform for empowerment and not harassment.' An Instagram user wrote, 'This is too much😭😭. How on earth can someone do this, and especially when he is one of the pageant organisers? To empower women? And do this?' Another commented, 'Did MGI organisation just body shame Rachel Gupta on their story? This is unbelievable; they have no respect for women, they only hide under the umbrella of women's empowerment. So shameless.' A comment read, 'Shocked at the lack of professionalism.' Another said, 'Exactly my point, people are willing to overlook anything for a crown. But let's be real, we wouldn't want our sisters, nieces, or daughters in the same situation, why tolerate it for others? Nawat's deceit is glaringly obvious, and it's sad that he'll do whatever it takes for a slice of fame.' On May 28, Rachel posted a letter on Instagram announcing that she would be stepping down from her role, and on May 29, she shared a video on YouTube revealing her side of the story and the toxic environment she faced at the hands of the Miss Grand International organisation.
The Star
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
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 '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
Indian Express
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘He starts pinching me…': Rachel Gupta gives up Miss Grand International crown, organisers say title ‘revoked'; signs one might be trapped in toxic environment
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.' On May 28, Rachel announced her resignation on Instagram, citing 'broken promises, mistreatment and a toxic environment.' 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. 'Frankly they don't care if I live or die. As long as I'm there to smile at their events, as long as I keep my body super skinny, the way they like, they don't care if I live or die,' she said in the video. 'They just want me to be there, to go on TikTok Live and make money for them and show up at their events. That's it, that's all they want from me… I realised they would never, never support me, and I was completely on my own… they made us sell. You guys know they made us sell these cheap, tacky products on TikTok like we were salesgirls. You've crowned queens, girls who have careers in our country, we do things, we're well respected, and they're making us sell cheap products on TikTok because it makes them money and you can't say no.' Rachel also described feeling physically humiliated and body shamed, saying, 'I remember one time, they sent their representative to me and he just comes up to me and he starts pinching me in different places and he's like 'Oh you need to lose weight here, you need to lose weight here'. What am I supposed to say to that? It's so embarrassing. It makes you feel so small and so bad. I understand, obviously I have to stay fit for the job I have, and have to stay in shape, but it's so difficult when you don't have access to anything and you're just locked in a house, basically all day long.' 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 organization, 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. Gurleen Baruah, existential psychotherapist at That Culture Thing, tells '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. 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.
GMA Network
a day ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
CJ Opiaza to have Miss Grand International crowning ceremony on June 3
Amid the very public mess between Rachel Gupta the Miss Grand International organization, Filipina beauty queen Christine Juliane 'CJ' Opiaza is set to make history. According to a social media post of the beauty organization, CJ will have a crowning ceremony on June 3 at 2 p.m. Bangkok time (3 p.m. Philippine time) at the MGI Hall (Bravo BKK) and livestreamed on the GrandTV YouTube channel. CJ is not only set to become the new Miss Grand International 2024, she is going to make history as the first Filipino Miss Grand International. Her crowning comes after a flurry of back-to-back events that had India's Rachel Gupta resigning and giving up the crown and the MGI organization releasing an official statement that said they were terminating the beauty queen. Late Wednesday, MGI Founder Nawat Itsaragrisil teased that the "real queen [is] coming soon," uploading a video of the Philippines' CJ, who is Rachel's first runner-up. On her social media channels, CJ posted snaps of herself in a red Francis Libiran gown that evoked a phoenix and in the caption said, "rising from the golden ashes is a phoenix who is ready for a comeback to conquer the grandest heights." "I am Christine Juliane Opiaza, Miss Grand International 2024 from the Philippines," she added. — Nika Roque/LA, GMA Integrated News
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First Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
Why did Rachel Gupta, Indian beauty queen step down as Miss Grand International 2024?
Rachel Gupta, who made history by becoming the first Indian to win the Miss Grand International 2024 crown, announced that she has decided to step away from the coveted title. While the pageant says it fired the model, Gupta claims she resigned for a good reason. Here's what happened read more Rachel Gupta, who made history by becoming the first Indian to win the Miss Grand International 2024 crown, has now stepped away from the title. Image courtesy: Instagram/@RachelGupta Rachel Gupta, who made history by becoming the first Indian to win the Miss Grand International 2024 crown, has now stepped away from the title. The beauty queen announced her decision in an emotional Instagram post, revealing that she had given up her crown due to 'broken promises, mistreatment, and a toxic environment' behind the scenes. Her post has triggered a wave of reactions online, with many shocked by the sudden development. Soon after Gupta's statement, the Miss Grand International (MGI) Organisation issued a strongly worded response of their own, stating that she was officially dismissed from the role. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So, what really happened? Why did things go downhill? Here's a closer look. But first, who is Rachel Gupta? -Born on January 23, 2004, in Patiala and raised in Jalandhar, Gupta is the daughter of business professionals. Her father, Rajesh Aggarwal, and mother, Jennifer Gupta, have supported her journey from the start, reports India Times. She also has a younger sister, Rhea. -She pursued a degree in psychology at the University of Mumbai after finishing high school. During college, she actively took part in several social initiatives, focusing especially on mental health awareness. -Before making a mark internationally, Gupta had already gained recognition by winning the Miss Super Talent of the World 2022 at just 18 years old. -The 21-year-old clinched the Miss Grand International crown on October 25, 2024, in a grand ceremony held in Bangkok, Thailand. Her win was historic—she became the first Indian to ever win the Miss Grand International crown. She had earned her spot by winning the national title in Jaipur on August 11. Rachel Gupta clinched the Miss Grand International crown on October 25, 2024, in a grand ceremony held in Bangkok, Thailand. She had earned her spot by winning the national title in Jaipur on August 11. Image courtesy: Instagram/@RachelGupta -Hosted by the Glamanand Group, the event saw Gupta sweep multiple subtitles including Miss Top Model, Best Ramp Walk, and Beauty with a Purpose. -A video of the event also went viral, especially the dramatic moment where second runner-up Thae Su Nyein was seen getting her crown and sash removed by a pageant director right after the ceremony. -Post her win, Gupta participated in several events abroad. She represented India at Miss Grand Suraburi 2025, and supported local causes, including donating 10,000 Thai Baht worth of essentials to the Foundation for Slum Child Care in Bangkok. Gupta participated in several events abroad. She represented India at Miss Grand Suraburi 2025, and supported local causes, including donating 10,000 Thai Baht worth of essentials to the Foundation for Slum Child Care in Bangkok. Image courtesy: X/@RachelGupta But despite these contributions and international appearances, the beauty queen hinted that things behind the scenes were far from picture-perfect. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What went wrong? In a social media post on Wednesday, Gupta revealed that she had made the difficult decision to walk away from her title. 'One of my greatest life goals was to be crowned,' she wrote, 'but the months after my crowning have been filled with betrayals, abuse, and a poisonous atmosphere that I can no longer put up with in silence.' 'I ask for your compassion, your open hearts, and your continued support as I take this next step. Your love means more than you know,' she added. Rachel also expressed her regret to those who had supported her journey. 'I sincerely apologize to all of my supporters worldwide if this news has caused you to be disappointed. Please understand that although it wasn't a simple choice, I made the correct one,' she wrote. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She ended her post by saying that she would be releasing a full video soon to share more about the challenges she faced behind the scenes. The pageant responds The Miss Grand International (MGI) Organisation issued a swift and pointed response. In an official statement posted online, the organisation confirmed that Rachel Gupta had been stripped of her title as Miss Grand International 2024. 'The Miss Grand International Organisation hereby announces the termination of Miss Rachel Gupta's title, effective immediately. She must return the crown within 30 days,' the statement read. They accused Rachel of breaching her contract, alleging that she failed to fulfil her responsibilities and engaged in other activities without seeking prior approval. They also noted that she had refused to participate in a scheduled trip to Guatemala. In light of her dismissal, the organisation announced that Christine Juliane Opiaza of the Philippines would now take over as the new Miss Grand International 2024. As the controversy continues to stir debate, all eyes are now on Rachel and the upcoming video she has promised. Her next move could raise serious questions about how beauty pageants operate and how they treat their winners behind the glamour. With input from agencies
