Rachel Gupta, winner of Miss Grand International 2024, has publicly stepped down from her crown, leveling serious allegations against the pageant organisers.

In an emotional video posted on her YouTube channel titled “The Truth About Miss Grand International,  My Story”, 21-year-old Rachel Gupta opened up about what she described as a distressing and exploitative experience during her reign. Her resignation was first announced via Instagram on May 28, citing a "toxic environment" and "broken promises" over the past several months.

"Felt Like a Salesgirl on TikTok"

Rachel alleged that rather than being celebrated for her achievements, she and other titleholders were reduced to promoting low-quality products online. “We were made to go on TikTok Live and sell cheap, tacky items as if we were salesgirls,” she stated. “They’ve crowned women with professional careers and public respect back home, and we’re being used just to make money for them.”

Harsh Living Conditions and Mental Toll

Gupta further revealed that following her win, she was placed in a “cramped” hotel room in Thailand for nearly a month, and later confined to a house with minimal food and basic amenities. She claimed that during her stay, she was persistently pressured about her appearance, particularly her weight, which severely affected her mental health.

“Honestly, they didn’t care whether I lived or died,” Rachel said tearfully. “As long as I was there, smiling at events and staying thin, that’s all that mattered to them.”

Organisers Deny Claims

In response, the Miss Grand International Organisation released a statement asserting that Rachel was officially removed from her position, offering a contrasting narrative. However, Gupta maintains that a lack of support, exploitation, and emotional distress drove her decision to leave.