Milla Magee, the 24-year-old Miss England 2024, has withdrawn from the Miss World 2025 pageant in Telangana, India, citing personal and ethical concer
Milla Magee, the 24-year-old Miss England 2024, has withdrawn from the Miss World 2025 pageant in Telangana, India, citing personal and ethical concerns.
Magee expressed her disappointment with the pageant’s environment, stating it didn’t align with her expectations of “beauty with a purpose”.
According to Magee, contestants were expected to wear makeup at all times and remain dressed in ball gowns throughout the day, even during breakfast.
Allegations of Exploitation
Magee’s decision to quit came after she was allegedly asked to socialize with middle-aged men as a gesture of appreciation for their financial contributions to the event.
Magee described the experience as demeaning and objectifying, stating she felt like a “performing monkey” and was made to feel “like a prostitute”.
She criticized the Miss World organization for being “outdated and stuck in the past”, highlighting the disconnect between the competition’s stated values and the reality of its events.
Miss World Organization’s Response
The Miss World Organization responded to Magee’s allegations, calling them “completely unfounded and inconsistent” with the reality of her time at the pageant.
According to the organization, Magee initially requested to leave due to a reported family emergency involving her mother’s health, and they arranged her return to England with compassion.
The organization released unedited videos of Magee expressing gratitude and appreciation for her experience, contradicting the negative reports.
Replacement
Following Magee’s departure, Charlotte Grant, the first runner-up of Miss England, stepped in to represent England.
The Telangana government conducted an inquiry into Magee’s allegations and found them to be unfounded.
Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan suspected a conspiracy to defame India and Hyderabad, and the Miss World organization is considering legal action against Magee.
Magee’s withdrawal has sparked debate around the relevance and ethical standing of global beauty pageants.
Her decision marks the first time in the pageant’s 74-year history that a Miss England titleholder has exited mid-competition.
The controversy surrounding Magee’s allegations has raised questions about the treatment of contestants in beauty pageants and the need for greater awareness and respect for participants’ well-being.
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