JAKARTA: Six contestants of a Miss Universe Indonesia pageant have filed complaints with police accusing organisers of sexual harassment after they alleged they were subjected to topless "body checks", their lawyer said on Tuesday.
Police confirmed contestants had filed a report that would be investigated.
The Indonesian contestants of the Indonesian beauty pageant, held in the capital Jakarta from July 29 to Aug. 3, said the organisers asked five of them to strip to their underwear for physical examinations in a room with more than 20 people, including men.
The five contestants were then photographed topless, said their lawyer, Mellisa Anggraeni, adding there was no need for such checks. Six contestants had filed complaints, she said.
The Miss Universe Organization said in a statement on Tuesday that it had been made aware of the allegations and it was looking into this matter.
"Miss Universe takes allegations of sexual abuse and impropriety extremely seriously. Providing a safe place for women is the Miss Universe Organization's utmost priority," it said.
One of the complainants told a press conference, broadcast by news channel Kompas TV, that she had been asked to pose inappropriately, including by opening her legs.
"I felt like I was being peeked on, I was very confused and uncomfortable," said the unidentified woman. The broadcaster blurred her face.
Reuters tried to contact the company that runs the Miss Universe Indonesia pageant, PT Capella Swastika Karya, and the company's founder, Poppy Capella, through their social media accounts but they did not respond.
Reuters was not able to find contact details for a company spokesperson.
Jakarta police spokesperson Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko said a report from contestants had been received on Monday and it would be investigated.
Religious groups in Indonesia, the world' most populous Muslim country, have in the past objected to beauty pageants.
Thai celebrity media tycoon and transgender rights advocate Jakapong “Anne” Jakrajutatip bought the Miss Universe Organization for $20 million last year.
The contest in Jakarta was held to select Indonesia's entry for the annual Miss Universe competition to be held in El Salvador late this year.
The contest run by the Miss Universe Organization, which was co-owned by Donald Trump between 1996 and 2002, has been running since 1952.
Reuters
Wed Aug 09 2023
The contest in Jakarta was held to select Indonesia's entry for the annual Miss Universe competition to be held in El Salvador late this year. - REUTERS
OKS dera anjing Husky gagal hadir, mahkamah keluar waran tangkap
Waran tangkap tersebut dikeluarkan susulan OKS itu gagal hadir ke mahkamah bagi sebutan kes hari ini dan hanya diwakilkan oleh peguamnya.
Berita Terkini Kita: Cerita komuniti di Kuala Terengganu
Berita Terkini Kita minggu ini ke Terengganu bersama Nursyazwani Saiful Sham. Ikuti perkongsian #InilahKita berkenaan komuniti Peranakan Cina di Terengganu. Peranakan Cina yang terdapat di Terengganu sedikit berbeza dengan berasimilasi kepada budaya Melayu.
China terus rekod pertumbuhan stabil pada suku kedua 2024
Ekonomi China terus merekodkan pertumbuhan stabil pada Julai dengan hasil jualan entiti pasaran pulih selain soroton positif di pelbagai sektor.
900 majikan gaji PATI ditangkap bagi tempoh 1 Jan hingga 16 Ogos - JIM
Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia (JIM) tidak sesekali berkompromi dengan majikan yang menggaji pendatang tanpa izin (PATI) dan tindakan tegas akan diambil.
Couche-Tard syarikat Kanada lakukan bidaan awal ambil alih 7 Eleven
Syarikat Peruncit Jepun Seven & i holdings, pengendali rangkaian kedai serbaneka 7-Eleven memaklumkan menerima tawaran pengambilalihan awal daripada Alimentation Couche-Tard Kanada.
Bancian pertanian: 44.3 peratus tempoh 43 hari
44.3 peratus bancian ke atas isi rumah dan pertubuhan perniagaan yang terbabit dalam aktiviti pertanian selesai dilaksanakan oleh Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia dalam tempoh 43 hari.
Pelarasan gaji, LHDN jangka pembayar cukai bertambah
Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN) menjangkakan pembayar cukai dalam kalangan penjawat awam meningkat susulan pengumuman pelarasan gaji oleh Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Jumaat lepas.
Pelabur asing kembali, catat belian bersih RM299.6 juta
Pelabur asing kembali ke Bursa Malaysia berikutan jualan besar-besaran pada minggu lepas dan mencatat pembelian bersih ekuiti Malaysia berjumlah RM299.6 juta.
Jokowi diberi penghormatan tertinggi pemerintah Palestin
Presiden Indonesia Joko Widodo dianugerahkan penghormatan tertinggi daripada pemerintah Palestin.
Telur goreng disyaki punca keracunan makanan di SBP
Keracunan makanan melibatkan 32 pelajar sebuah sekolah berasrama penuh (SBP) di Terengganu disyaki berpunca daripada telur goreng yang didakwa telah berubah bau dan rasa.