Latest news with #RachelGupta
The Star
an hour 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 However, the organisers mentioned that her title has been revoked, adding that 'the crown be returned to the MGI Head Office within 30 days from the date of this notice.'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 However, on its official Instagram page, Miss Grand International released a statement mentioning that Rachel's title was revoked due to 'her failure to fulfill her assigned duties, engagement in external projects without prior approval from the organisation, and her refusal to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
News18
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Rachel Gupta Resigns As MGI, Milla Magee Quits Miss World 2025: Ugly Face Of Beauty Pageants
Has Rachel Gupta's shocking resignation from Miss Grand International 2024 exposed the darker realities of the pageant world once again? Her decision to step down comes just days after Miss England 2024, Milla Magee, withdrew from the ongoing Miss World 2025 pageant in Telangana. But controversies in pageantry come in all forms -- some bizarre, some serious, and others, just plain ugly. Here are five scandals that left a lasting mark on the industry. Watch the video for more. bollywood news | entertainment news live | latest bollywood news | bollywood | news18 | n18oc_moviesLiked the video? Please press the thumbs up icon and leave a comment. Subscribe to Showsha YouTube channel and never miss a video: Showsha on Instagram: Showsha on Facebook: Showsha on X: Showsha on Snapchat: entertainment and lifestyle news and updates on:
The Citizen
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Where and how to watch the 72nd Miss World Grand Final
Representing South Africa this year is 18-year-old Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg. The Miss World competition, which began its 72nd edition in Hyderabad, India, on 7 May, will crown its new queen this weekend. The live final of Miss World 2025 will be broadcast from Hyderabad this Saturday, 31 May, with South Africa's Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg among the 108 contestants. Taking place at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Telangana, the event will be broadcast live at 1pm GMT (3pm South African time). ALSO READ: 'They don't care if I live or die': Miss Grand International Rachel Gupta quits her reign Where and how to watch the Miss World 2025 crowning The crowning will be televised in select countries, including India, France, Colombia, Jamaica, Mauritius, Vietnam, Botswana, Trinidad & Tobago, Lebanon, and others. For those in countries not covered by the televised broadcast, including South Africa, the grand final will be streamed live online via Representing South Africa this year is 18-year-old Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg. READ MORE: Get to know Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg, representing Mzansi at Miss World competitions On Friday morning, Zoalize took to Instagram to thank South Africans for their love and support as she continues her journey in pursuit of the crown. 'I have worn you on my heart for the past month, and it has been a full-circle moment. Getting to share the purpose of not only myself but so many with the world has been fulfilling. 'For those familiar with my journey, I want to thank you for walking this walk with me. I appreciate you all more than words can express,' she added. NOW READ: 'Kivuli & Nuru: The Afrodisiacs Collection' —African erotic stories delving deep into the queer world of desire
India.com
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet Rachel Gupta, 21, who quit Miss Grand International 2024, gave up her crown due to…,
Jalandhar's Rachel Gupta created history by winning the Miss Grand International 2024 title. But almost a year after winning this title, the crown has been taken back from her. The beauty pageant announced this. However, Rachel Gupta claims that she herself has taken this decision with a very heavy heart. Rachel shared a post on social media in which she cited the toxic environment of the beauty pageant as the reason for returning the crown. Rachel Gupta wrote in her post, 'To all my supporters worldwide, if this news has disappointed you, I am truly sorry. Thank you for standing by me. Please understand that this decision was not easy to take, but it was the right decision for me. The truth will come out very soon. I love you all more than words can say. I am deeply saddened to share this news with you that I have decided to resign from the post of Miss Grand International 2024 and return my crown.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rachel Gupta (@_rachelgupta) She further wrote, 'Being crowned was one of the fondest dreams of my life, and I was filled with hope and pride that I would represent my country and make history. But my experience in the months following the crowning was full of broken expectations, mistreatment, and a toxic environment that I could no longer tolerate in silence. I have not taken this decision lightly. In the coming days, I will share a full video explaining the details behind this difficult journey. I ask for your kindness, open hearts, and continued support as I take this next step. Your love means more to me than I can imagine.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rachel Gupta (@_rachelgupta) Rachel Gupta told her side of the story, but the organization says something else. The beauty pageant says that they themselves have removed Rachel from this position. She is no longer entitled to use this title. By making an official announcement, the Miss Grand International Organization clarified that they are terminating Miss Rachel Gupta from this time itself. This decision has been taken due to her failure to fulfill the assigned duties, joining external projects without the prior permission of the organisation, and refusing to participate in the scheduled journey to Guatemala. Therefore, the organization has decided to cancel her title with immediate effect. Miss Rachel Gupta is no longer a part of using or wearing the title of Miss Grand International 2024.
The Citizen
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
'They don't care if I live or die': Miss Grand International Rachel Gupta quits
She was crowned Miss Grand International 2024 in October last year. Rachel Gupta, the Miss Grand International 2024, has announced her resignation, citing a toxic work environment and broken promises. However, the pageant organisers claim she was dismissed for misconduct and breach of contract. The 21 year old made history in October last year at the 12th edition of the pageant, becoming the first Indian to win the Miss Grand International title. But less than a year into her reign, Gupta announced her departure in a statement shared on social media on Wednesday. 'The months following my crowning have been marked by broken promises, mistreatment and a toxic environment I can no longer endure in silence,' Gupta said. Gupta, who was expected to serve until the next titleholder is crowned in October this year, said the decision to step down was not easy. 'I ask for your compassion, your open hearts, and your continued support as I take this next step,' she added. Gupta also published a video titled The Truth About Miss Grand International – My Story on YouTube, detailing her experiences over the past seven months. In the video, she alleged that the pageant organisers mistreated her by pressuring her to stay extremely thin, failing to provide basic support such as access to a gym and forcing her to sell 'cheap, tacky products' on TikTok. 'Frankly, they don't care if I live or die. They just want me to smile at events, stay skinny and make them money.' She further alleged that a pageant representative once physically pinched her body to criticise her weight and appearance. 'I had to beg and beg for them to give me a yoga mat… at the same time, they were hounding me and constantly talking about my weight and my body.' Miss Grand International hits back at Gupta On Thursday, the Miss Grand International Organisation released a statement announcing Gupta's termination. It cited her alleged failure to fulfil contractual duties, unauthorised work engagements and her refusal to travel to Guatemala for a scheduled appearance. The organisation also requested that she return the crown within 30 days. 'Miss Rachel Gupta is no longer authorised to use the title or wear the crown associated with Miss Grand International 2024. The organisation has resolved to revoke her title with immediate effect,' the statement read. The organisation also posted a detailed timeline, among other allegations, accusing Gupta of arranging unauthorised cosmetic procedures at a sponsor's clinic in South Korea for her mother and sister without informing the pageant and then refusing to post promotional content in return. NOW READ: Amato's 'Doll's House 2' asks tough questions
