Rachel Gupta Resigns as Miss Grand International 2024; Organisers Claim Termination
A dream-turned-nightmare for Rachel Gupta, the first Indian to win the Miss Grand International 2024 crown, has ended in a public fallout. While Gupta announced her resignation from the title citing mistreatment and a toxic environment, the Miss Grand International (MGI) Organisation countered with a statement claiming she had been officially terminated.
The controversy erupted on Wednesday after Gupta, 21, took to Instagram to announce her decision to step down. In an emotional post, she stated that the months following her historic crowning had been “marked by broken promises, mistreatment, and a toxic environment” that she could no longer endure.
“Being crowned was one of the most cherished dreams of my life, but the reality that followed was far from what I had envisioned,” Gupta wrote. She added that her decision to resign was difficult but necessary, promising to share her full story in a video soon.“The truth will come out very soon,” she concluded.
Gupta also addressed her global supporters, apologizing if the news caused disappointment, while emphasizing that her decision was made in the interest of her well-being.
However, the Miss Grand International Organisation offered a contrasting narrative. In a statement posted on their official social media handles, MGI announced that Rachel Gupta’s title had been terminated, effective immediately.
The organisation accused Gupta of failing to fulfill her official duties, engaging in unauthorized external projects, and refusing to attend a scheduled official trip to Guatemala.
“The Miss Grand International Organisation hereby announces the termination of Miss Rachel Gupta’s title as Miss Grand International 2024, effective immediately,” the statement read. MGI also demanded that Gupta return her crown to the organisation’s head office within 30 days.
Rachel Gupta was crowned Miss Grand International on October 25, 2024, in a landmark victory that made her the first Indian to win the title. Her win was hailed across the nation and earned her the prestigious Grand Pageants Choice Award, placing her among India’s top beauty queens alongside names like Lara Dutta, Miss Universe 2000.
The sudden and public split has sparked widespread interest and debate in pageant circles and among fans, with both sides holding firmly to their version of events. As Gupta prepares to release her video statement, all eyes remain on what the next chapter in this unfolding controversy will reveal.