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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