Miss World beauty contest is embroiled in 'exploitation' row after Miss England competitor accuses organisers of using her to lure in wealthy investors
Milla Magee, the reigning Miss England, said she decided to take part in the Miss World 2025 pageant to promote her campaign to have CPR added to the school curriculum.
However, she left before the grand final in India on Saturday, reportedly claiming she felt exploited and as though she and the other women were being used as entertainment for investors as a 'thank you', the Guardian first reported.
In response to the claims, Miss World referred to 'false and defamatory statements' that it said were 'completely unfounded and inconsistent with the reality of her time with us'.
Julia Morley, the organisation's chief executive, reportedly claimed in an interview with the Hindu newspaper that Magee left because she 'believed she didn't stand a chance in the competition'.
Magee, 24, said on Saturday: 'What Julia said was vindictive and very bitter. And it was a ridiculous statement. I did not leave because I thought I was not going to win. I left because I wanted to stand for what I believe in and it didn't align with my values.
'And I would hate for another young girl to go into this system after watching me this past year and have to experience the same.'
She added: 'I felt like I've been fed a false narrative of this system that promotes ''beauty with a purpose'', that's supposed to be about advocacy and what you champion for.'
Instead, Magee claimed she found she and the other women were there based on looks and to entertain guests, with limited opportunity provided to promote their chosen causes.
In one claim, the contestant alleged that a man approached her and said: 'Next time I'm in London or England, hook me up' - leaving Magee feeling uncomfortable.
She added that she has received many messages from women who have also taken part in pageants, 'saying how they felt the exact same'.
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