Rachel Gupta, the 21-year-old Indian model who made history as the first Indian to win Miss Grand International 2024, has stepped down from her title, citing a “toxic environment” and “repeated unkept promises.” In an emotional video posted on her YouTube channel titled “The Truth About Miss Grand International – My Story”, Rachel broke her silence and shared disturbing allegations about her experience with the Miss Grand International Organisation.
“I was made to live in a cramped hotel room in Thailand for a month after my win. Then they locked me in a house all day long with no food or basic amenities. They hounded me about my weight constantly,” Rachel said, fighting back tears. “Frankly, they don’t care if I live or die. As long as I’m there to smile at their events, keep my body super skinny the way they like it, and go on TikTok Live to make money for them—that’s all they want from me.”
Rachel Gupta said she was humiliated and body shamed repeatedly by representatives of the organisation. “I remember one time, a representative came up to me and started pinching me in different places. He said, ‘You need to lose weight here, and here.’ What am I supposed to say to that? It was so embarrassing. It made me feel small and worthless.”
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She also revealed that despite being expected to maintain a certain physique, the organisation did not even provide her access to basic fitness equipment. “I had to beg them for a yoga mat. No gym, no trainer—nothing. At the same time, they kept talking about my weight constantly. How are we supposed to stay fit locked inside a house with no food, no help, no gym?”
In one of the most explosive revelations, Rachel said contestants were made to promote and sell low-quality products online. “They made us sell cheap, tacky products on TikTok like salesgirls. We are crowned queens. We are women with careers and respect in our countries. And they’re making us do this just to earn money for themselves. You can’t say no.”
She also alleged voting manipulation during the Miss Grand International 2024 competition. “Countries could pay for votes. I saw it happen. The organisation allowed it. It was never a fair competition.” Rachel further expressed concern over how the organisation handled serious issues, including a sexual harassment case involving a former titleholder, stating, “They brushed it under the rug.”
In the caption of her YouTube video, Rachel wrote: “It’s taken a lot of courage to speak so openly and honestly, but I truly hope this helps girls who share the dream I once had. I have screenshots and receipts for everything, but I am not willing to stoop to that level. People who believe me will believe me regardless. My decision to step down is based on integrity and self-respect.”
Rachel Gupta’s story has shocked pageant followers around the world and sparked a growing conversation about mistreatment in beauty pageants, body shaming, mental health, and exploitation of titleholders. Despite the Miss Grand International Organisation’s statement claiming she was officially terminated, Rachel maintains that she walked away voluntarily. Her stand may have cost her the crown, but it has won her admiration for her bravery.
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