She was crowned Miss Grand International 2024 in October last year.
Rachel Gupta, the Miss Grand International 2024, has announced her resignation, citing a toxic work environment and broken promises.
However, the pageant organisers claim she was dismissed for misconduct and breach of contract.
The 21 year old made history in October last year at the 12th edition of the pageant, becoming the first Indian to win the Miss Grand International title.
But less than a year into her reign, Gupta announced her departure in a statement shared on social media on Wednesday.
“The months following my crowning have been marked by broken promises, mistreatment and a toxic environment I can no longer endure in silence,” Gupta said.
Gupta, who was expected to serve until the next titleholder is crowned in October this year, said the decision to step down was not easy.
“I ask for your compassion, your open hearts, and your continued support as I take this next step,” she added.
Gupta also published a video titled The Truth About Miss Grand International – My Story on YouTube, detailing her experiences over the past seven months.
In the video, she alleged that the pageant organisers mistreated her by pressuring her to stay extremely thin, failing to provide basic support such as access to a gym and forcing her to sell “cheap, tacky products” on TikTok.
“Frankly, they don’t care if I live or die. They just want me to smile at events, stay skinny and make them money.”
She further alleged that a pageant representative once physically pinched her body to criticise her weight and appearance.
“I had to beg and beg for them to give me a yoga mat… at the same time, they were hounding me and constantly talking about my weight and my body.”
Miss Grand International hits back at Gupta
On Thursday, the Miss Grand International Organisation released a statement announcing Gupta’s termination.
It cited her alleged failure to fulfil contractual duties, unauthorised work engagements and her refusal to travel to Guatemala for a scheduled appearance.
The organisation also requested that she return the crown within 30 days.
“Miss Rachel Gupta is no longer authorised to use the title or wear the crown associated with Miss Grand International 2024. The organisation has resolved to revoke her title with immediate effect,” the statement read.
The organisation also posted a detailed timeline, among other allegations, accusing Gupta of arranging unauthorised cosmetic procedures at a sponsor’s clinic in South Korea for her mother and sister without informing the pageant and then refusing to post promotional content in return.
