JAKARTA: Six contestants of a Miss Universe Indonesia pageant have filed complaints with police accusing organizers of sexual harassment after they alleged they were subjected to “body checks”.
The Indonesian contestants of the Indonesian beauty pageant, held in the capital Jakarta from July 29 to August 3, said the organizers asked five of them to strip 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. She said six contestants had filed complaints. Police confirmed contestants had filed a report that would be investigated.
The Miss Universe Organization said in a statement 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 told a local broadcaster that she had been asked to pose inappropriately. “I felt like I was being peeked on, I was very confused and uncomfortable,” said the unidentified woman who face was blurred by the broadcaster.
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.
