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The Star
3 days 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 However, the organisers mentioned that her title has been revoked, adding that 'the crown be returned to the MGI Head Office within 30 days from the date of this notice.'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 However, on its official Instagram page, Miss Grand International released a statement mentioning that Rachel's title was revoked due to 'her failure to fulfill her assigned duties, engagement in external projects without prior approval from the organisation, and her refusal to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
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Rachel Gupta? She recently quitted from Miss Grand International - Know her career, educational qualification and more
All about Rachel Gupta?: The pageant world was surprised to learn that Rachel Gupta, a 21-year-old Indian beauty who became the first Indian to win the Miss Grand International title in October 2024, had resigned. Gupta resigned, citing "broken promises, mistreatment, and a toxic environment" in a spectacular Instagram post. Her accusations have been refuted by the Miss Grand International Organization, which states that she was formally fired from her position. Many people wonder what exactly went wrong in light of this abrupt change in circumstances. Let's know more about Rachel Gupta's career and the controversies surrounding her departure in more detail. Who is Rachel Gupta? The 21-year-old Indian model and beauty queen Rachel Gupta hails from Jalandhar, Punjab. In 2024, she became the first Indian to win the coveted Miss Grand International title, making history. Before her victory abroad, Rachel had already achieved notoriety as the 18-year-old Miss Super Talent of the World in 2022 and the subsequent Miss Grand India 2024 title. Rachel Gupta's family Rachel Gupta is the daughter of business professionals Jennifer Gupta and Rajesh Aggarwal. She and her younger sister, Rhea, grew up in Jalandhar, Punjab. Also Read: Who is Sophie Shine? Rumored girlfriend of Indian Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan Rachel Gupta's education qualifications Rachel attended the University of Mumbai to obtain a degree in psychology after graduating from high school. Her academic trajectory was driven by her curiosity about human behavior and emotions. She actively participated in several social activities while at college, with a particular emphasis on raising awareness of mental health issues. The only thing that could rival Rachel's enthusiasm for psychology was her desire to use her position to promote change. Rachel Gupta's recent resignation from Miss Grand International 2024 She was awarded the international title at a lavish event in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 25, 2024. She had previously guaranteed her spot in the competition by taking home the title of Miss Grand India 2024 in August, which was hosted by the Glamanand Group. However, Rachel Gupta startled her fans on May 28, 2025, when she announced that she was leaving the Miss Grand International title. She shared the reasons for her choice in an open Instagram post. She was awarded the international title at a lavish event in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 25, 2024. She had previously guaranteed her spot in the competition by taking home the title of Miss Grand India 2024 in August, which was hosted by the Glamanand Group. However, on May 28, 2025, Rachel Gupta shocked her supporters by announcing her decision to resign from the Miss Grand International title. She shared the reasons for her choice in an open Instagram post. "One of my greatest life goals was to be crowned, 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," she wrote. "The truth will come out very soon," she said, adding that she would soon provide further information. "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 continued. The Miss Grand International Organization responded with a statement posted on Instagram. The organization for violating her contract, charged Gupta. According to the announcement, "Miss Rachel Gupta's title is hereby terminated by the Miss Grand International Organization, effective immediately." "She has 30 days to return the crown." The organization claims that Gupta refused to go on an official trip to Guatemala, engaged in outside initiatives without authorization, and neglected her responsibilities. Rachel Gupta's Pageantry life The 2022 Miss Super Talent of the World Gupta competed in the 15th season of Miss Supertalent, which was presented in conjunction with Paris Fashion Week on September 28, 2022, in Paris, France, when she was eighteen. Representatives from almost 50 different nations competed for the coveted honor. The grand finale was held at Paris's Pavilion Cambon that same day. She ultimately emerged as the competition's victor. 2024's Miss Grand India Gupta was revealed as a finalist in the Glamanand Group's Miss Grand India 2024 pageant in May 2024. She was awarded Miss Grand India 2024 by the departing titleholder Arshina Sumbul at the grand finale, which took place at Zee Studios in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on August 11, 2024. Throughout the tournament, she also took home the sub-titles of Beauty with a Purpose, Best in Ramp Walk, Miss Top Model, and Best National Costume. As Miss Grand India 2024, Gupta visited Thailand as a special visitor for the Miss Grand Suraburi 2025 preliminary and final events. She also used her visit to support the Foundation for Slum Child Care in Bangkok by giving 10,000 THB worth of necessities to help the foundation with its vital mission. 2024's Miss Grand International At the Miss Grand International 2024 pageant, which took place in Thailand from late September to October 25, 2024, Gupta represented India. The departing champion, Luciana Fuster of Peru, named her the winner after the competition. She became the third Asian and the first Indian to win the title of Miss Grand International after her victory. Due to an apparent dispute with the Miss Grand International organization, Gupta resigned as Miss Grand International 2024 on May 28, 2025, citing unpleasant treatment she had received while on duty. The Philippines' Christine Juliane Opiaza received the Miss Grand International 2024 title. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
