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New Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Had to sit like performing monkeys: Miss England stirs row after exit; calls Miss World 'high-end cattle fair'
HYDERABAD: Till Saturday, the 72nd edition of Miss World was progressing as planned: A polite parade of poise, sequins and diplomatic smiles. Then came an unscheduled firework display by none other than Miss England 2024, Milla Maggie. Having left the competition on May 16, allegedly due to 'personal reasons', Maggie re-emerged in tabloid The Sun with claims that make Bridgerton look like a documentary. 'I went there to make a difference, but we had to sit like performing monkeys,' The Sun quoted her as saying, suggesting the Miss World experience was less about world peace and more about looking glamorous. Maggie, 24, didn't stop there. In tones more suited to exposés than tiaras, she claimed the whole affair resembled a sort of high-end cattle fair, where women were 'paraded to impress wealthy individuals' and she was made to feel 'like a prostitute being farmed out for entertainment.' Understandably, this did not go down too well in Hyderabad which is hosting the pageant. The state government was swift in its response. Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary for Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture, said, 'This is just an exaggerated situation.' The Miss World Organisation (MWO) said Maggie cited health reasons for her departure. Meanwhile, the show goes on. England has now dispatched a replacement contestant, Charlotte Cox, to Hyderabad. Julia Morley, chairperson and CEO of MWO, attempted to close the chapter with a terse message: 'We responded to Maggie's departure with compassion.'
New Indian Express
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
'Went to make a difference, but had to sit like a performing monkey,' says Miss World contestant on quitting race
HYDERABAD: As excitement and anticipation swept across Telangana for the 72nd edition of the Miss World pageant, controversy unexpectedly cast a shadow over the event. The turmoil began when Miss England 2024, Milla Magee, who had exited the competition citing personal reasons on May 16, made explosive allegations in an interview with British tabloid The Sun. The 24-year-old initially claimed her withdrawal from the 72nd Miss World pageant was due to personal circumstances. However, in her recent interview, Magee offered a starkly different explanation, stating, 'I went there to make a difference, but we had to sit like performing monkeys.' She went on to allege that contestants were instructed to wear heavy makeup and evening gowns from morning until night—even during breakfast—and were paraded at events to impress wealthy individuals. She shockingly claimed the experience made her feel 'like a prostitute being farmed out for entertainment.' The comments sparked immediate backlash from both the pageant organisers and the Telangana state government. Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary of Telangana's Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture Department, responded by saying, 'We will be conducting a meeting regarding this on May 25. This is just an exaggerated situation.'
Hans India
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Hyderabad Shines as the 72nd Miss World Festival Kicks Off with Culture, Glamour, and a Global Message of Unity
Hyderabad came alive on May 10th as the curtain rose on the 72nd Miss World Festival with a spectacular inauguration ceremony at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium. For the third time, India plays host to this iconic global event, marking Telangana's 1st... the state welcomed over 110 international contestants with a breathtaking showcase of its rich culture, tradition, and spirit of hospitality. The event began with a powerful message of 'Beauty with a Purpose,' the heart of the Miss World mission. The arena transformed into a living canvas of Telangana's heritage, as folk and tribal dance performances, including Perini, Kommu Koya, Lambada, and Oggu Dolu that dazzled the audience. This soulful cultural medley offered a vibrant and emotional welcome to participants from every corner of the world. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy officially welcomed the global guests, while Julia Morley CBE, Chairman and CEO of Miss World Limited, declared the festival open with a note of celebration and purpose. 'We are thrilled to bring the Miss World Festival to Telangana, a place where tradition beautifully intertwines with innovation,' Morley said. 'This year's pageant reflects the spirit of world unity, peace, and cultural appreciation.' Adding to the emotional gravity of the moment, reigning Miss World Krystyna Pyszková spoke warmly about her journey and expressed gratitude to the host state. 'A heartfelt thank you to the government of Telangana for welcoming all the contestants with open hearts. I encourage all contestants to showcase the rich heritage of their countries and be the voices of their communities,' she said. In a moment that resonated deeply with both global and local audiences, Jayesh Ranjan, Full Additional Charge (FAC) as Special Chief Secretary of Telangana's Youth Advancement, Tourism, and Culture Department, said,'It is a historic day as the 72nd Miss World opens in Telangana. Today will be marked as a significant moment where a powerful message of peace is being conveyed to the world. I wish all the contestants to also become ambassadors of peace in their respective countries.' The evening reached a crescendo with a dazzling parade of nations, where each contestant introduced herself, proudly carrying her national flag. It was a living symbol of unity in diversity, a theme that runs through the heart of this month-long festival. Running from May 7 to May 31, the 72nd Miss World Festival promises an enriching journey for contestants and audiences alike. Key highlights include a spiritual visit to the sacred Buddhavanam at Nagarjunasagar on May 12, a heritage walk through Charminar and Laad Bazaar on May 13, and a royal welcome dinner at the majestic Chowmahalla Palace, paired with a live musical concert. The event is supported by Trident, the Official Hospitality Partner, ensuring world-class comfort for guests, and HITEX, the Venue Partner, offering top-tier facilities for the pageant's vibrant events. For those following the glamour and grace from afar, the 72nd Miss World Festival is being streamed exclusively on Sony LIV, with regular updates on the official website ( and Instagram (@missworld). With hearts full of pride and eyes set on the crown, Hyderabad has officially stepped onto the world stage and the world is watching.
The Hindu
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Beauty and the buzz: over 7,000 make a play for Miss World 2025 event passes
Telangana Tourism's move to distribute complimentary entry passes for the general public to attend events of the ongoing Miss World 2025 has drawn an overwhelming response, with over 7,000 registrations recorded within just three days of the announcement. The announcement for the distribution of complimentary passes was made by Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary for Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture on May 6. He stated that the passes would be issued through an official online selection process hosted on the Telangana Tourism website. To be considered for the passes, interested participants had to engage in an interactive quiz based on Telangana's culture and heritage. According to Tourism officials, applicants were required to correctly answer five questions, such as identifying the State song and selecting the UNESCO heritage site located in Telangana. The response was swift and enthusiastic. However, as the number of applications surged past 7,000, the department paused the selection process. Now, those attempting to register are redirected to a Google form that displays a message acknowledging the influx. 'We are overwhelmed with your responses. We have received over 7,000 requests. Eligible applicants will be accommodated for the first few public events. We will open the registration window once again after 10 days,' the message reads. The notice, posted two days ago, suggests the next round of registrations may open next week. Speaking at the press conference, Mr. Ranjan highlighted the significance of public participation in the global event. 'The initiative offers a unique opportunity for citizens to attend and experience a global celebration of beauty, talent and cultural diversity. We invite all to register and be part of this prestigious occasion,' he said. Miss World 2025 is being hosted across multiple venues in Telangana, culminating in the grand finale on May 31 at the Hitex Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad.
United News of India
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- United News of India
Telangana: CM inaugurates 72nd Miss World 2025 in Hyderabad
Hyderabad, May 10 (UNI) The 72nd edition of the prestigious Miss World pageant was officially inaugurated on Saturday evening with a grand ceremony at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad, marking the beginning of a month-long celebration of beauty, culture and humanitarian values. The prestigious event commenced with a strong message of global peace and unity, aligning with the pageant's enduring mission of 'Beauty with a Purpose.' The opening ceremony highlighted Telangana's rich cultural legacy through mesmerising performances of traditional folk and tribal dances, including Perini, Kommu Koya, Lambada, and Oggu Dolu. These vibrant displays offered an authentic and heartfelt welcome to contestants from over 110 countries, capturing the spirit and traditions of the region. The event was graced by Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who warmly welcomed the international participants. Julia Morley CBE, Chairman and CEO of Miss World Limited, formally declared the 72nd Miss World Festival open in Telangana. 'We are thrilled to bring the Miss World Festival to Telangana, a place where tradition and innovation beautifully intertwine,' said Morley. 'This year's pageant celebrates world unity, peace, and cultural appreciation. I look forward to witnessing the inspiring journeys of each contestant as they make a difference globally.' Jayesh Ranjan, Full Additional Charge (FAC) Special Chief Secretary for the Youth Advancement, Tourism, and Culture Department of Telangana, added, 'This is a historic day for Telangana. The 72nd Miss World Festival brings with it a powerful message of peace and cultural harmony. I hope each contestant becomes an ambassador of peace in their homeland.' Reigning Miss World Krystyna Pyszková reflected on her experience, saying, 'Thank you to the government of Telangana for such a heartfelt welcome. I encourage all contestants to proudly showcase their cultures and be the voice of their communities. Being crowned Miss World in India was a privilege, and I am honoured to pass on the crown here once again.' The inauguration also featured a vibrant parade where contestants introduced themselves while proudly waving their national flags—symbolizing the beauty of unity in diversity. Running from May 7 to May 31, the 72nd Miss World Festival includes an array of cultural, spiritual, and charitable events. Highlights include a visit to the sacred Buddhavanam at Nagarjunasagar on May 12, a heritage walk through Charminar and Laad Bazaar on May 13, and a royal welcome dinner at the historic Chowmahalla Palace, complete with a live musical concert. UNI VV SS
