A general view during the 71st Miss Universe pageant in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. January 14, 2023.
REUTERS/Jonathan Bachman/ File PhotoJAKARTA, Aug 13 (Reuters) - The Miss Universe Organization said it was cutting ties with its Indonesian franchisee and cancelling this year's Malaysia pageant after contestants accused local organisers of sexual harassment.
Six Miss Universe Indonesia contestants filed complaints with police accusing organisers of sexual harassment, saying they were subjected to topless "body checks", their lawyer said on Tuesday.
"I emphasise that I, as the national director and license owner for Miss Universe Indonesia, was not involved at all and have never known, ordered, requested or allowed anyone who plays a role and participated in the process of organising Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 to commit sexual harassment through body checking as reported," she said.
The Jakarta contest was held to select Indonesia's entry for the annual Miss Universe competition, to be held in El Salvador late this year.
Persons:
Jonathan Bachman, Poppy Capella, Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, Capella, Fransiska Nangoy, Stanley Widianto, William Mallard
Organizations:
Miss Universe, REUTERS, Miss Universe Organization, Capella, Miss Universe Malaysia, Miss Universe Indonesia, Thomson
Locations:
New Orleans , Louisiana, U.S, JAKARTA, Malaysia, Jakarta, Miss Universe Indonesia, El Salvador