On May 28, 2025, Rachel, a 21-year-old model from Jalandhar, India, took to Instagram with emotional post revealing her decision to resign from the title. Citing a 'toxic environment' and 'broken promises' during her time as Miss Grand International 2024, Rachel said she could no longer stay silent. A day later, on May 29, she released a YouTube video titled 'The Truth about Miss Grand International - My Story,' where she opened up about her personal struggles, harsh experiences, and serious concerns about the pageant organisation.
A glamorous title with a dark reality
Behind the sparkle of the crown, Rachel claims a very different reality awaited her. According to her video, immediately after her win, she was confined to a “cramped” hotel room in Thailand for over a month. What followed was an even more distressing period, being kept in a house “with no food, no proper amenities,” and with no support for her health and well-being.
Rachel recalled being regularly body-shamed, with representatives criticising her appearance. “They would send someone who would literally pinch my body in different places, saying ‘you need to lose weight here and here,’” she shared while she couldn't control her tears. Despite being expected to maintain peak physical condition, Rachel said she was denied basic access to a gym or fitness equipment and had to beg just to receive a yoga mat.
Claims of exploitation and misuse of titleholders
Rachel further alleged that the Miss Grand International Organisation forced titleholders to go live on TikTok to sell low-quality products as a money-making tactic. “We’re professional women with careers and achievements back home,” she said. “And they were making us sell cheap, tacky things online like salesgirls, we had no choice.”
She also said the organisation showed little concern for her well-being. “They didn’t care if I was struggling mentally or physically, as long as I kept smiling at events and helped them make money,” she added.
Rachel highlighted the emotional toll the pageant took on her. She spoke of deteriorating self-esteem and mental health due to constant scrutiny about her body and the lack of support to meet those standards. “I know I’m supposed to stay fit for the role-I accept that, but it’s impossible when you’re locked in a house with no access to proper food or exercise,” she said. Her plea for basic wellness facilities reportedly went unheard.
Allegations of corruption and mismanagement
In perhaps the most damning part of her testimony, Rachel accused the Miss Grand International Organisation of allowing countries to pay for votes during the competition, undermining the fairness of the event. She also mentioned that a past titleholder’s complaint of sexual harassment was not properly addressed by the organisation, raising serious concerns about their ethical standards.
Rachel's statement on integrity and hope
In her video’s description, Rachel expressed that stepping away from the title was not a decision taken lightly. “It takes immense courage to walk away from something you worked so hard for, but I chose my self-respect,” she wrote. She emphasised that while she had evidence to back up her claims, she chose not to release it, believing her honesty would be enough for those who truly supported her.
Her final words were directed to aspiring beauty queens: “I hope my story sheds light on the hidden realities behind pageantry. I don’t want anyone to go through what I went through.”
While Rachel describes her exit as a resignation, the Miss Grand International Organisation issued a statement saying she was officially removed from her position. As of now, they have not addressed her detailed allegations publicly.
