Miss Universe cuts ties with Indonesia organiser accused of sexual harassment

JAKARTA: The Miss Universe Organization said it was cutting ties with its Indonesian franchisee and cancelling this year's Malaysia pageant after contestants accused local organisers of sexual harassment.

The U.S.-based organisation said in an emailed statement late on Saturday it had decided to sever its contract with PT Capella Swastika Karya and its national director Poppy Capella, who also holds the license for Miss Universe Malaysia.

Six Miss Universe Indonesia contestants filed complaints with police accusing organisers of sexual harassment, saying they were subjected to topless "body checks", their lawyer said on Tuesday.

"It has become clear that this franchise has not lived up to our brand standards, ethics, or expectations as outlined in our franchise handbook and code of conduct," the Miss Universe Organization said, adding that providing a safe place for women was its utmost priority.

Jakarta police did not respond to a request for comment on Sunday. Spokesperson Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko said on Tuesday the report would be investigated.

Capella said in a statement on Instagram she does not condone any form of sexual harassment.

"I emphasise that I, as the national director and license owner for Miss Universe Indonesia, was not involved at all and have never known, ordered, requested or allowed anyone who plays a role and participated in the process of organising Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 to commit sexual harassment through body checking as reported," she said.

The Jakarta contest was held to select Indonesia's entry for the annual Miss Universe competition, to be held in El Salvador late this year.

The Miss Universe Organization said it was evaluating its policies and procedures to avoid similar occurrence in the future, adding that there are no measurement or body dimensions requirement to join their pageant worldwide.

Unifil amat bimbang dengan keselamatan anggota

Majlis Keselamatan Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (PBB) menyuarakan kebimbangan terhadap keselamatan anggota-anggota pengamannya yang cedera akibat serangan Israel di selatan Lubnan. Majlis ini juga berkali-kali menyatakan pendirian agar kedamaian dan keselamatan dikembalikan di rantau itu dengan segera.

Perbicaraan Andrew dan Tristan Tate belum diputuskan

Dua pempengaruh media sosial terkenal, Andrew Tate dan adiknya Tristan Tate yang ditahan atas dakwaan jenayah penyeludupan manusia, merogol dan membentuk kumpulan jenayah terancang tampil buat pertama kali menantikan tarikh perbicaraan mereka yang sehingga kini belum ditentukan. Kedua-dua adik beradik ini tegas menafikan setiap pendakwaan yang dibuat terhadap mereka dan menyatakan bahawa mereka tidak wajar ditahan jika tiada bukti sahih yang menunjukkan mereka bersalah.

Lelaki ditemui selepas 67 hari terapung di laut Okhotsk

Seorang lelaki yang terapung di tengah laut bersama dua jasad ahli keluarganya selama lebih dua bulan diselamatkan selepas ditemui oleh kapal nelayan. Kapal dikenali sebagai 'Angel' itu membawa pulang lelaki bernama Mikhail Pichugin berusia 46 tahun, dengan jasad abang dan anak buahnya yang masing-masing berusia 49 dan 15 tahun.

Lelaki ditemui selepas 67 hari terapung di laut Okhotsk