India (Commonwealth Union)_ The ongoing Miss World 2025 pageant in Hyderabad, Telangana, has been overshadowed by a storm of controversy following the dramatic withdrawal of Miss England 2024, Milla Magee. Magee’s departure and subsequent allegations have rocked the foundations of one of the world’s most prestigious beauty competitions, raising serious questions about its ethical conduct, cultural sensitivity, and treatment of contestants.
Miss World 2025 in Hyderabad: A Celebration Turned Controversial
Miss World 2025, hosted in Hyderabad for the first time, was set to be a spectacular affair. With over 100 contestants from across the globe, the event was designed to showcase beauty, talent, and charitable efforts under the umbrella of the pageant’s long-standing motto, Beauty with a Purpose. Additionally, Hyderabad’s historic landmarks, such as Charminar, Warangal Fort, and Ramoji Film City, provided the backdrop for cultural tours, while the HITEX Exhibition Centre was chosen for the grand finale on May 31. However, what began as a glamorous showcase has now spiraled into a heated public controversy.
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Who is Miss England 2024: Milla Magee’s Background
Milla Magee, a 24-year-old lifeguard and plus-size campaigner from Cornwall, entered Miss World as Miss England 2024 with aspirations of using her platform for good. A passionate advocate for CPR training, her campaign had even received the backing of Prince William. Magee hoped the Miss World stage would amplify her message of body positivity and community health. Instead, Magee claimed she encountered an environment that was “dehumanising and outdated.” Her exit marks a historic first, no previous Miss England has ever voluntarily withdrawn from the Miss World competition in its 74-year history.
Accusations by Miss England: Allegations of Harassment and Misconduct
In a candid interview, Magee was forthright. “I felt like a prostitute,” she stated. According to her, contestants were paraded before wealthy male sponsors and expected to dress in formal ball gowns from morning to night, including breakfast, and wear makeup at all times. Magee alleged that the contestants were instructed to entertain male donors throughout the evening in small groups. “It felt so wrong,” she said, describing it as performative and exploitative. The entire experience, she added, felt outdated and far from the progressive, empowering platform she had hoped to find.
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Response from Telangana Government: Strong Denial and Regret
KT Rama Rao, working president of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and a prominent Telangana minister, addressed the controversy publicly on social media platform X. “You are a very strong woman, Milla Magee, and I am truly sorry you had to go through this in our state,” he wrote. “Telangana has a rich culture of respecting women.” Rama Rao also condemned what he referred to as victim gaslighting, demanding a thorough and impartial investigation into Magee’s claims. His statement echoed widespread concerns, especially in a country increasingly sensitive to international scrutiny around women’s rights and safety.
Enquiry by Jayesh Ranjan: Contestant Interviews Paint a Different Picture
Telangana’s Special Chief Secretary, Jayesh Ranjan, swiftly launched an internal enquiry. Speaking to media outlets, he described the allegations as “baseless and exaggerated.” Ranjan personally interviewed more than a dozen contestants, including representatives from Scotland and Northern Ireland. “They described experiences that were completely contrary to Milla Magee’s account,” Ranjan said. The only complaint noted was the overwhelming number of selfie requests from fans, something the officials deemed “annoying, not sinister.”
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Response from Miss World Organization: Denial, Compassion, and Video Evidence
The Miss World Organisation also rejected Magee’s claims, stating that her departure was due to a family emergency involving her mother’s health. Julia Morley, Chairwoman and CEO of the Miss World Organisation, responded with compassion and criticism. “These claims are completely unfounded and inconsistent with the reality of her time with us,” said Morley. To reinforce their position, the organization released unedited video footage showing Magee expressing gratitude and enjoying her time in India. These clips directly contradict the grim picture painted by her interview in the British press.
What Julia Morley Said: A Call for Integrity and Dignity
Julia Morley expressed deep disappointment over the controversy. “As a mother and grandmother, I understand Milla’s concern for her family. We arranged her return home immediately. However, the subsequent media stories are false and defamatory,” she said. Morley reiterated the pageant’s commitment to truth and dignity. “Miss World is about empowering women, not exploiting them. We urge all media outlets to maintain journalistic integrity,” she added.
Baseless Allegations and Video Evidences: A Clash of Narratives
The conflicting narratives, Magee’s firsthand account versus testimonies from other contestants and video footage, have left the public confused and divided. The Miss World Organisation emphasized that the claims made were not only damaging but also “potentially defamatory.” The videos released depict Magee smiling, socializing, and participating enthusiastically in various events. While the organization has chosen not to pursue legal action at this stage, officials warned that continued dissemination of false information could lead to consequences.
Consequences Miss England Might Face in Future
Milla Magee’s future in the pageant industry remains uncertain. Experts suggest that such public allegations against a globally recognized event could impact her credibility. Pageant insiders have hinted that her statements may lead to professional isolation within the industry unless she presents irrefutable proof to back her claims. Additionally, defamation suits remain a legal possibility, particularly given the strong stance taken by the Miss World Organisation.
Charlotte Grant Enters Miss World: England Still in the Race
Following Magee’s exit, Charlotte Grant, the first runner-up in Miss England 2024, was swiftly appointed to represent England. The Miss World Organisation confirmed her participation and praised her seamless integration into the ongoing competition. Grant, hailing from Liverpool, is said to embody the “true spirit of the Miss World sisterhood.”
Social Media Reactions: Divided Opinions and Debates
The controversy has ignited fierce debates across social media platforms. Some users have praised Magee’s courage for speaking out, while others have criticized her for potentially misrepresenting an international cultural event. Hashtags like #MissWorld2025 and #IStandWithMilla began trending, followed closely by #MissWorldSpeaksOut and #FalseClaims. Notably, some pageant alumni have defended the Miss World Organisation, calling Magee’s version “isolated and exaggerated.” Others have called for an independent review of the event’s operations.
Mission of Miss World: Beauty With a Purpose Amid Criticism
Founded in 1951, Miss World has grown into one of the most respected global pageants, celebrated for combining beauty with humanitarian missions. The event’s core philosophy, Beauty with a Purpose, includes fundraising for medical care, education, and disaster relief. Despite the scandal, Miss World 2025 continues to focus on charity events, cultural showcases, and talent competitions leading up to the final ceremony on May 31. Organizers maintain that the controversy will not deter the pageant’s mission or legacy.
India and Miss World: A Longstanding Partnership
India has played host to the Miss World competition multiple times, beginning in 1996 in Bengaluru, then again in 2023 in Mumbai, and now in 2025 in Hyderabad. The country holds a special place in pageant history, having produced six Miss World winners, including icons like Aishwarya Rai and Priyanka Chopra. This year’s event was considered an opportunity to further cement India’s role as a cultural and humanitarian hub. Despite the controversy, India’s dedication to promoting its rich heritage and hospitality remains unwavering. Milla Magee’s exit from Miss World 2025 has undoubtedly stirred global attention, bringing difficult questions to the fore. As the investigation progresses and conflicting stories vie for public attention, the incident has initiated crucial discussions about ethics, representation, and the changing function of international beauty pageants. Whether this controversy will result in institutional changes or remain a fleeting storm remains to be seen.
