“Is the glittering crown of Miss Grand International hiding a dirty secret? Rachel Gupta’s shocking allegations just flipped the pageant world upside down. Dive into the scandal now.”

Miss Grand International strips India's Rachel Gupta of 2024 crown for  'failure to fulfill duties' - VnExpress International

In a development that has sent shockwaves through the global beauty pageant community, former contestant Rachel Gupta has broken her silence with allegations that are as explosive as they are unexpected. Speaking publicly for the first time since her controversial elimination from the Miss Grand International competition, Gupta has accused the organization of vote-buying, favoritism, and behind-the-scenes manipulation that, according to her, calls into question the legitimacy of the entire event.

The Silence Breaks

For weeks, Rachel Gupta had remained quiet, offering no public comment following her exit from the competition—a move that left fans and supporters puzzled, especially given her strong early performance and online popularity. Her unexpected silence only fueled speculation about what might have happened behind the scenes.

Now, in a detailed statement posted on her verified social media account, Gupta claims that her silence was not out of defeat, but fear. “I was afraid of the consequences,” she writes. “But the truth must come out. People deserve to know what really happened at Miss Grand International.”

Allegations of Vote-Buying

The most serious of Gupta’s allegations centers on vote-buying. She claims that certain contestants were allegedly backed by powerful sponsors who “secured their advancement through financial contributions, not merit.” According to Gupta, this practice was not only known within inner circles of the pageant but openly discussed behind closed doors.

“I witnessed conversations where it was clear who was going to make it to the finals—not based on performance, but on how much financial backing they had,” Gupta stated. “Some contestants had entire campaigns funded by private entities, and it showed in how far they went.”

She further claimed that despite her winning multiple audience polls and social media challenges, her scores were mysteriously altered or dismissed without explanation.

The Cost of Speaking Out

Gupta acknowledged that her decision to speak publicly could have serious repercussions for her modeling career and public image, but insisted that the culture of silence and fear needed to end.

“I am fully aware this could burn bridges for me, but what’s the point of having a platform if you’re too scared to use it for something that matters?” she wrote.

Her comments have struck a chord with many in the pageant industry, with fellow contestants—though not named—allegedly reaching out to express support and share similar experiences.

Patterns of Favoritism?

Gupta also described a broader pattern of favoritism and lack of transparency throughout the competition. She alleges that rehearsals were not equally scheduled for all contestants, and that some candidates received preferential treatment in wardrobe, makeup, and even stage time.

“There were moments when some girls would mysteriously disappear from rehearsal only to return hours later with custom outfits and clear direction on what they were supposed to do,” Gupta revealed. “Meanwhile, the rest of us were left scrambling with limited resources.”

She also criticized what she described as “staged drama” used for content and viewer engagement, suggesting that the integrity of the competition was compromised in favor of viral moments.

A Broken Dream?

For many contestants, Miss Grand International represents the culmination of years of preparation, sacrifice, and hope. The idea that such a prestigious title could be influenced by money rather than merit has been met with anger and disbelief among fans.

Social media has exploded with hashtags like #JusticeForRachel and #ExposeTheCrown, with supporters calling for a formal investigation and demanding accountability from the pageant organizers.

Some fans have started digging into past editions of the competition, questioning whether this is an isolated incident or part of a larger pattern that has gone unnoticed or unchallenged for years.

What’s Next?

As of now, the Miss Grand International organization has not issued a public response to Gupta’s allegations. Calls and messages to their official communication channels have reportedly gone unanswered.

Meanwhile, Gupta has hinted that she may have more evidence to reveal, including screenshots, recordings, and witness testimonies. “This is just the beginning,” she warned in a follow-up post. “If they think I’ll go away quietly, they’re mistaken.”

Her bold stance is already inspiring others in the industry to speak up. Rumors are swirling that additional contestants from this year’s competition—and possibly even past editions—are preparing to come forward with their own stories.

A Turning Point?

Whether Gupta’s revelations lead to real change or simply fade into the noise of online controversy remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the glitz and glamor of Miss Grand International has been overshadowed by a deepening scandal that raises serious questions about transparency, fairness, and ethics in global pageantry.

And if even a fraction of Gupta’s claims prove true, the glittering crown of Miss Grand International may never shine quite the same again.