It was meant to be a celebration of grace, global unity, and cultural exchange. Instead, the Miss World 2025 pageant in Hyderabad finds itself mired in controversy, just days before its grand finale, following serious allegations by Miss England Milla Magee, who withdrew from the event accusing organisers of 'exploitation' and mistreatment.
The 72nd edition of the international event, hosted by the Revanth Reddy-led Congress government in Telangana, had begun with much fanfare at Gachibowli Stadium earlier this month. However, Magee’s decision to exit has cast a shadow over the upcoming finale, scheduled for 31 May.
Magee, who arrived in India on 7 May, reportedly returned to the UK on 16 May, initially citing personal reasons. However, in comments published by the UK-based tabloid The Sun, the 24-year-old claimed she had come to participate in the competition to “make a difference”, but had instead found herself in a situation where contestants “had to sit like performing monkeys”.
She further alleged that she and other contestants were “paraded” before wealthy male sponsors and were expected to remain in ball gowns and heavy makeup for extended periods in order to entertain “wealthy middle-aged” patrons supporting the pageant.
“There were two girls to each table of six guests. We were expected to sit with them for the whole evening and entertain them as a thank you. I found that unbelievable. I remember thinking, ‘This is so wrong.’ I didn’t come here to be farmed out for people’s entertainment,” she was quoted as saying.
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Reacting strongly to the allegations, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao condemned what he described as “victim gaslighting” and called for a full investigation.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the former Telangana minister wrote, “It takes immense courage to stand up against misogynistic attitudes, especially on international platforms like Miss World.”
Addressing Magee directly, he added, “Milla Magee, you are a very strong woman, and I am truly sorry you had to experience this in our state of Telangana. This does not reflect our true culture. Telangana has a rich legacy of honouring women—some of our greatest leaders include Rani Rudrama and Chityala Ailamma. We revere and respect women and provide equal opportunities for their growth.”
“As a father of a daughter, I strongly condemn any form of victim-blaming. I urge the concerned authorities to conduct a comprehensive and impartial probe into the allegations made by Miss England.”
Former Minister and senior Bharat Rashtra Samithi MLA P Sabitha Indra Reddy also has demanded a swift and impartial probe into the serious allegations.
In a sharply worded statement, the former Home Minister urged both the National Commission for Women and the Telangana State Women’s Commission to take immediate cognisance and initiate appropriate action.
“This is not just an accusation against the organisers. It is a matter of national dignity, since the pageant is being held in our State capital under the supervision of the government,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Miss World Organisation issued a statement denying the claims reported by The Sun and described them as “false and defamatory”.
Julia Morley, Chair and CEO of the Miss World Organisation, said Magee had departed due to a family emergency.
“We responded with compassion and immediately arranged her return to England, prioritising her and her family’s well-being,” said Morley.
“Unfortunately, some UK media outlets have published false and defamatory statements, reportedly made by Milla Magee, regarding her experience in India. These claims are completely unfounded and do not reflect the reality of her time with us,” she added.
The dispute has reignited long-standing debates around the treatment of women in pageants, with the controversy making headlines both in India and abroad.
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