In a first-ever withdrawal in the pageant's 74-year history, Miss England contestant Milla Magee has made news by becoming the first-ever contestant to pull out of competing for the Miss World contest.
Her withdrawal was based on deep ethical issues raised about how the contestants were treated when they participated in a promotional event conducted in India.
Why did Milla Magee withdraw from Miss World?
Magee had come to Hyderabad on May 7 to participate in a string of publicity events in the run-up to the actual Miss World pageant. Yet, hardly more than a week later, on May 16, she suddenly withdrew.
Although her withdrawal was initially blamed on a family crisis, Magee has now revealed a much more sinister reality behind her decision.
Magee talks about why she quit
In an interview to The Sun, Magee lashed out at her Hyderabad experience, labeling the environment degrading and objectifying. "We had to sit like performing monkeys," she remembered, describing how contestants had to perform for guests at dinner.
"At every table of six guests, there were two girls designated to entertain them all evening long as a thank-you. I could not believe that. I recall thinking, 'This is all so wrong'. I did not come here to be sent out for people's pleasure."
Magee was more explicit, saying outright, "They made me feel like a prostitute." She elaborated on saying that when she attempted to talk about the altruistic causes she was supporting, she was met with apathy. "I once attempted to talk about the causes I was working for, but found that the men weren't interested."
Scorning the Miss World organisation, Magee referred to it as "outdated and stuck in the past," highlighting the blatant disparity between the pageant's stated values and the actuality of its events.
Following Magee's withdrawal, Charlotte Grant, the first runner-up to Miss England, took her place to represent the nation. Charlotte traveled to India on Wednesday and has since been welcomed warmly by the Miss World fraternity.
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