Rachel Gupta Relinquishes Miss Grand International 2024 Title Amid Controversy
Rachel Gupta, a 21-year-old model from Jalandhar, India, has stepped down from her title as Miss Grand International 2024, sparking a public dispute with the pageant’s organizers. Gupta announced her resignation on Instagram, citing a toxic environment, unfulfilled promises, and mistreatment as her reasons for leaving. In a detailed 56-minute video, she elaborated on her experience, alleging body-shaming and exploitation, including being pressured to sell low-quality products on TikTok for the organization’s profit. “They just wanted me to show up, go on TikTok Live, and make money for them,” Gupta stated, describing the environment as detrimental to her well-being.
The Miss Grand International Organization, however, countered Gupta’s claims, stating that her title was terminated due to her failure to fulfill her duties, engaging in unauthorized external projects, and refusing to participate in a scheduled trip to Guatemala. In an official statement, the organization declared, “Miss Rachel Gupta is no longer authorized to use the title or wear the crown associated with Miss Grand International 2024,” and demanded the return of the crown within 30 days. Gupta, in response, promised her supporters a forthcoming video to provide further details about her decision, urging them to remain supportive.
Gupta’s historic win on October 25, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand, marked her as the first Indian to claim the Miss Grand International crown. Prior to this, she secured the Miss Grand India 2024 title in Jaipur on August 11, organized by the Glamanand Group. During the international competition, she also earned accolades such as Miss Top Model, Best Ramp Walk, and Beauty with a Purpose. Her victory was celebrated widely, but the controversy surrounding her exit has drawn attention to the challenges within the global pageant industry.
The conflicting narratives have fueled discussions online, with posts on X reflecting public sentiment. Gupta’s supporters have praised her courage in speaking out, while the organization’s statement has raised questions about the obligations placed on titleholders. As the situation unfolds, Gupta’s promised video is anticipated to shed further light on the circumstances leading to her departure from the prestigious title.