Six contestants in the Miss Universe Indonesia pageant have filed complaints with police, accusing the organisers of sexual harassment.
The contestants of the beauty pageant, which was held in Jakarta from July 29 to August 3, said the organisers asked them to strip to their underwear for physical examinations in a room with more than 20 people, including men.
The contestants' lawyer, Mellisa Anggraeni, said five of the contestants were then photographed topless.
One of the complainants told a press conference on Monday that she had been asked to pose inappropriately, including by opening her legs.
"I felt like I was being peeked on, I was very confused and uncomfortable," she said.
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Another contestant said she felt like her 'rights had been violated'.
"It has affected me mentally. I have had trouble sleeping," the contestant said.
Local television stations blurred the women's faces to protect their identity.
Anggraini told AFP that officials from the licence holder of Miss Universe in Indonesia, PT Capella Swastika Karya, told the contestants they had 'to examine any scars, cellulite or tattoos on their bodies'.
"The finalists were not aware that they would be subjected to such a procedure, as it was originally planned to be a fitting," she said.
Miss Universe Indonesia has since released a statement online saying they are 'actively investigating' the claims.
“We are actively investigating the allegations that have been reported in the mass media. We will conduct a thural (sic) investigation and review the allegations made against us,” the statement reads.
It continues: “We will promptly take the necessary stance and actions regarding this issue to clarify and ascertain the truth.”
According to the ABC, the Miss Universe Organisation says it has been made aware of the allegations and was looking into the matter.
“Miss Universe takes allegations of sexual abuse and impropriety extremely seriously. Providing a safe place for women is the Miss Universe Organisation's utmost priority,” the organisation said.
The beauty pageant was held in Jakarta to select Indonesia’s representative for the annual Miss Universe competition, which will be held in El Salvador later this year.
The judges awarded 23-year-old model and business graduate Fabiënne Nicole Groeneveld with the national title.
Anggraini believes many more contestants will come forward over the following days.
Topics: News, World News
Keryn Donnelly