Miss Universe severs ties with Indonesia after contestants allege they were told to strip
USA TodayAug 06, 2023
The Facts
The Miss Universe Organization has cut ties with its franchise in Indonesia after several contestants accused local organizers of sexual abuse during the beauty pageant's crowning ceremony in Jakarta.
The organization said it will also terminate its association with Indonesian beauty company, PT Capella Swastika Karya, saying that the franchise had not "lived up to our brand standards and ethics."
The Spin
Narrative A
This is an unfair move against PT Capella Swastika Karya, shown by the way Miss Universe railroaded them by prolonging their renewal process and then issuing a last-minute email regarding their termination. As a company that celebrates the power of feminism and would never commit sexual abuse against women, the loss of its credibility and license is tragic.
Narrative B
This shameful incident has not only tarnished the image of Indonesia — a tolerant, secular, and pluralist society that respects freedom of expression — but also traumatized women who dared to win a competition. The Miss Universe Organization must evaluate its worldwide franchise agreements and policies to prevent sexual abuse from occurring in the future.