Numerous Miss Universe Indonesia candidates have filed complaints against the organisers alleging sexual harassment, say reports.
The contestants were asked to strip off for ‘body checks’ just two days before their finals on 3 August, reported the Saudi Gazette.
‘It is to examine scars, cellulite, or tattoos’, said the organisers and also allegedly took photographs. “Body checks are normal in the country, but contestants are not usually asked to strip naked’, said Maria Harfanti, a former Miss Indonesia to the Saudi Gazette.
The door of the room in which the body checks were done was not closed completely allowing people outside to view, and there were some men present in the room’, said one of the complainants in a press conference on Monday.
The incident affected the candidates mentally. ‘I have had trouble sleeping and feel my rights have been violated’, said one of the ladies to the media.
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Since Indonesia is largely a Muslim nation, the authorities are more careful not to offend the traditional beliefs and customs. Even the Miss World pageant has cancelled its bikini round in 2013, while Indonesia hosted it.
The Jakarta police released an official statement and started an investigation. The Miss Universe Indonesia Organisation will also conduct a parallel inquiry, said Poppy Capella, the owner.
The Global Miss Universe Organisation condemned and said it considers allegations of sexual impropriety ‘very seriously’.