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Jakarta: Six finalists in 2023’s Miss Universe Indonesia beauty pageant have lodged police complaints accusing the organizers of making them strip for “body checks” and topless photographs, CNN reported.
While addressing reporters outside regional police headquarters in the capital Jakarta on Tuesday, attorney Mellisa Anggraini alleged that her clients had accused pageant officials of asking them to remove their tops in order to “examine scars, cellulite, or tattoos”.
Contestant “N”, identified only by the initial, expressed shock as “body checks” were not listed in the event’s schedule.
The unidentified woman said she agreed and was photographed topless, as were four other women. “It was enough to humiliate and degrade her,” the lawyer said in comments aired by CNN affiliate CNN Indonesia.
Local broadcasters blurred the face of another unidentified contestant, who stated at a press conference that she had been asked to pose inappropriately, including opening her legs.
The complainants assert that male officials were present in the room when taking the photographs. The attorney, Anggraini, reported submitting additional evidence, including documents and videos, along with the police report.
The alleged incidents took place on August 1, two days before the grand final in Jakarta, she added, as per CNN.
Reporters were informed by Police spokesperson Yuliansyah that they had filed formal complaints on Monday and were currently conducting ongoing investigations. Yuliansyah explicitly stated, “We will base our investigation on the complaints.”
The Miss Universe pageant, held annually in various host countries, features dozens of national pageant winners vying for the global title. This live event captivates a worldwide audience of millions.
CNN reported that Miss Universe organizers, in a statement against the Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 pageant. The pageant is operated by a local franchisee, according to CNN.
