Miss Universe Indonesia Contestants Claim They Were Subjected to Topless ‘Body Checks’

Six finalists participating in the Miss Universe Indonesia beauty pageant have filed official police complaints, alleging that they were subjected to inappropriate requests by organizers, including body checks and topless photographs. The accusations, which have generated significant attention and concern, shed light on potential misconduct within the pageant’s proceedings.

The contestants’ legal representative, Mellisa Anggraini, held a press conference outside the regional police headquarters in Jakarta on Tuesday to address the allegations. Anggraini revealed that the finalists had been asked to strip for what organizers termed “body checks,” a procedure not previously listed in the event’s schedule. The pageant officials’ alleged purpose for these checks was to examine contestants for scars, cellulite, or tattoos.

Anggraini stated that one contestant, identified only as “N,” expressed shock over the sudden request for “body checks.” Despite the absence of such a procedure in the event’s schedule, she complied and was subsequently photographed topless, along with four other contestants. Anggraini condemned the incident, stating, “It was enough to humiliate and degrade her,” as reported by CNN affiliate CNN Indonesia.

During another press conference, a contestant whose face was obscured by local broadcasters spoke out about being asked to pose inappropriately, including adopting poses that required her to open her legs, according to Reuters.

The allegations also assert that male officials were present in the room when the topless photographs were taken. To bolster their claims, the complainants submitted additional evidence in the form of documents and videos as part of the police report. These incidents reportedly occurred on August 1, just two days before the grand final of the pageant in Jakarta.

Yuliansyah, a police spokesperson who is commonly known by a single name like many Indonesians, confirmed that formal complaints were lodged on Monday, prompting ongoing investigations. “The complaints will be used as the basis for our investigation,” Yuliansyah stated to reporters.

The Miss Universe pageant is a globally recognized event that takes place annually in various host countries. National pageant winners from around the world vie for the coveted global title, attracting millions of viewers worldwide during the live broadcast.

In response to the allegations, Miss Universe organizers released a statement acknowledging the claims made against the Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 pageant, which operates under a local franchisee. The statement emphasized the organization’s dedication to ensuring a safe environment for women and vowed to investigate the matter thoroughly.

While the Indonesian pageant organizers did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment, a statement shared on Instagram by director Poppy Capella noted that the organization is actively investigating the allegations and will take appropriate actions based on the findings.

As the investigations continue, concerns regarding the treatment of contestants within the pageant setting and the broader implications for the Miss Universe Indonesia pageant persist, prompting discussions on the need for enhanced transparency and accountability within such high-profile events. CNN also sought further commentary from the legal representatives of the complainants.