On May 30, the Miss Grand International (MGI) organization released a statement refuting all allegations made by Rachel Gupta - the first Indian beauty queen to be crowned Miss Grand International 2024 before being stripped of her crown on May 28, 2025. MGI affirmed that all of Gupta's allegations were "false, damaging to reputation and baseless".
On May 28, 2025, Rachel Gupta announced her resignation as Miss Grand International 2024, accusing MGI of "empty promises, mistreatment, and a toxic environment ." Shortly after, MGI announced the stripping of her crown for "failing to fulfill her assigned duties, participating in unauthorized outside projects, and refusing to participate in a scheduled trip to Guatemala."
This incident shocked the international beauty community because it is very rare for a crowned person to be stripped of their crown mid-term.
In a 15-page official statement posted on its official fanpage on May 30, MGI refuted each specific allegation that Rachel Gupta mentioned:
Regarding product quality and financial compensation: MGI affirms that the product belongs to the FMCG strategy with GMP certified production facilities, 95%+ customer satisfaction and is used by beauty queens across Asia.
Regarding the non-payment of salary, MGI explained that according to Article V of the contract, it clearly states: "The Organization will not pay the monthly fee if MGI 2024 does not stay in Thailand and perform the assignment. Once MGI 2024 returns and stays in Thailand, GRAND will pay the past monthly fee together with the current monthly fee.
Rachel Gupta has been living in India since November 2024 and will only return for a short period in March 2025, so the payment suspension is in compliance with the contract. In addition, she is requesting a refund of more than $4,500 in expenses without providing any receipts.
Regarding living conditions and care: MGI provided detailed evidence of 2 phases of stay - the first phase at the 4-star The Twin Towers Hotel with clean rooms according to international standards and the second phase at the "Grand House" in Thana City chosen by Rachel Gupta herself for privacy.
The house is fully equipped with amenities: kitchen, two refrigerators, washing machine, separate bedrooms, 24/7 security. MGI claims that each beauty queen has a dedicated team of 24/7 support, providing local sim cards, vegetarian diet support, and daily meal options, but Gupta often refuses and manages it herself.
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Regarding security and assets: MGI asserted that Thana City is a residential area with high-level security and there were no incidents during Gupta’s stay. Regarding the loss of $1,000, Gupta reported it on March 29, a day before returning to India, and asked MGI to pay immediately without verification. MGI asserted that it had never confiscated any of her personal assets.
On work environment and career opportunities: MGI denied the allegations of body-shaming comments, citing the DD clause in the contract regarding maintaining an appearance that meets international beauty pageant standards, and all comments were professional and constructive. MGI said Gupta was professionally received during his return in March 2025, participating in a partnership with Nana Plastic Surgery in Korea and official events.
Regarding the international travel commitment: MGI confirmed that it never promised to take her to "at least 20 countries" as Gupta alleged. The official international competition season runs from March to September, MGI has coordinated with many national organizing committees and has confirmed trips: Czech Republic (April 30-May 5), Guatemala (May 28-June 1), Spain (June 11-16). Gupta returned to India at the end of March to apply for a Schengen visa for European assignments.
Regarding charity and voting activities: MGI explained that the use of a voting system is an international practice and is not the only factor that determines the results. Regarding charity, MGI regularly organizes the " Stop The War & Violence " campaign and CSR activities, while Gupta has never actively proposed any charity activities but only focuses on personal interests.
Regarding abuse of privileges: MGI accused Gupta of directly contacting Nana Plastic Surgery in Korea to arrange for her mother and sister to use the service without going through the organization, promising to promote it on social media but then not doing so. She also received a package of designer eyeglasses worth more than 100,000 THB (80 million VND) from the sponsor without posting a thank you post. This was considered by MGI as "abuse of the privilege of the crown for personal and family benefit".
Regarding the contract and legal procedures: MGI denied the accusation of forcing the contract, asserting that the contract had been used consistently for all beauty queens over the years with transparent terms. On November 5, 2024, Gupta officially requested a copy of the contract to review with his legal advisor and family, then signed the complete contract about a week after receiving it.
Rachel Gupta crowned Miss Grand International 2024:
According to MGI
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/hoa-hau-an-do-to-bi-nguoc-dai-btc-tung-bang-chung-song-nhu-ba-hoang-2406550.html
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