Indonesia: Miss Universe contest – Contestants allege sexual assault – Newsbomb – News

Contestants in the recently held beauty pageant in Jakarta, for the beauty that will represent Indonesia in the final stage for the title of “Miss Universe”, have accused the organizers of sexual harassment.

Several Miss Universe contestants in Indonesia have filed complaints with the police, accusing the organizers of sexual assault. One of their lawyers said the contestants were asked to take off their shirts for “physical examinations” and photos two days before the final on August 3.

The organizers allegedly told the women that they should “check for any marks, such as cellulite or tattoos, on their bodies”. One of the complainants said: “I feel that my rights have been violated.”

“It affected me. I had trouble sleepingShe said, speaking to the media, along with other girls who have gone through the same ordeal, earlier this week. Local television obscured their faces in the broadcast to protect their identities.

Melissa Angraini, the attorney representing three of the contenders who have complained, said she expects more progress. Police in the capital, Jakarta, issued a statement saying they would investigate the matter further. Owner Bobby Capella said the Miss Universe Indonesia Organization would investigate the allegations, stressing that it was looking into the matter and taking allegations of sexual misconduct “very seriously”.

While physical examinations are normal in the country, Contestants are not usually required to undress, Said Maria Harvanti, former Miss Indonesia. He added that organizers also frequently ask contestants for a BMI to check their body proportions.

At Monday’s press conference, one of the complainants said that body searches took place in a locked room, however There were also some men. He added that the door was not fully closed, giving people a view from the outside.

While beauty pageants have long been permitted in Indonesia, organizers are wary of themDo not offend the conservative sections of society. In 2013, the Miss World contest canceled the bikini show when it was held in the Islamic State.

The Miss Universe contest, now in its 73rd edition, is popular in Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, where the winners They become famous and influence social media.