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Miss Grand International 2024 Rachel Gupta Steps Down Amidst Controversy
Updated on: 29 May, 2025 12:23 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Rachel Gupta
A significant stir has rocked the beauty pageant world as Rachel Gupta, crowned Miss Grand International 2024, announced her resignation from the prestigious title on social media. This move, however, has been met with a counterclaim from the organisers, who assert that she was officially terminated.
She also promised to share her full story in an upcoming video, adding, “The truth will come out very soon.” Addressing her supporters, she wrote, “To all my supporters around the world: I’m truly sorry if this news has disappointed you. Please know this wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right one for me.”
Also Read: Pankaj Tripathi Recalls Criminal Justice Director Scolding Him For Adding Humor
“The Miss Grand International Organisation hereby announces the termination of Miss Rachel Gupta`s title as Miss Grand International 2024, effective immediately,” the statement declared. They have also requested that she return the crown to the MGI Head Office within 30 days.
Rachel Gupta made history on October 25 last year when she was crowned the 12th Miss Grand International, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat. Her historic win also earned her the Grand Pageants Choice Award, placing her alongside Miss Universe 2000, Lara Dutta, as one of India`s most celebrated beauty queens on the global stage. This unfolding controversy now casts a shadow over what was a monumental achievement for India in the pageant world.
Also Read: Who`s Rhea Singha, the Girl Who Won Miss Universe India 2024?
Rachel Gupta`s Claim
On Wednesday, the 21-year-old model took to Instagram, stating that her decision to step down was a difficult but necessary one, citing a "toxic environment and repeated unkept promises". In her post, Gupta revealed, “Being crowned was one of the most cherished dreams of my life, but the months following my crowning have been marked by broken promises, mistreatment, and a toxic environment I can no longer endure in silence.”She also promised to share her full story in an upcoming video, adding, “The truth will come out very soon.” Addressing her supporters, she wrote, “To all my supporters around the world: I’m truly sorry if this news has disappointed you. Please know this wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right one for me.”
Also Read: Pankaj Tripathi Recalls Criminal Justice Director Scolding Him For Adding Humor
MGI Organisation`s Counter-Statement
While Gupta pointed to a toxic environment, the Miss Grand International (MGI) Organisation presented a contrasting narrative. In a statement released on their social media, MGI confirmed that Gupta had been "officially terminated" from her position. The organisation accused her of failing to honour her duties, pursuing unauthorised external projects, and refusing to attend an official trip to Guatemala.“The Miss Grand International Organisation hereby announces the termination of Miss Rachel Gupta`s title as Miss Grand International 2024, effective immediately,” the statement declared. They have also requested that she return the crown to the MGI Head Office within 30 days.
Rachel Gupta made history on October 25 last year when she was crowned the 12th Miss Grand International, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat. Her historic win also earned her the Grand Pageants Choice Award, placing her alongside Miss Universe 2000, Lara Dutta, as one of India`s most celebrated beauty queens on the global stage. This unfolding controversy now casts a shadow over what was a monumental achievement for India in the pageant world.
Also Read: Who`s Rhea Singha, the Girl Who Won Miss Universe India 2024?
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