- विज्ञापन -
In a shocking revelation, Rachel Gupta, the 20-year-old beauty queen from Jalandhar, Punjab, who made history by winning the Miss Grand International 2024 title, has publicly stepped down from her crown. Though the organisation later claimed her title was “terminated,” Rachel insists it was her decision to resign due to deep-rooted issues within the organisation.
About Rachel Gupta
Born in January, 2004, in Jalandhar, Punjab, India, Rachel Gupta is a 20-year-old model and beauty pageant winner. She made history as the first Indian to win the Miss Grand International 2024 title, becoming the third Asian to achieve this. She also won Miss Super Talent of the World 2022 and Miss Grand India 2024.
She began modeling after auditioning for top agencies in India, choosing this path over a planned Ivy League education. At 18, she and her sister Rhea launched The Glam Bar, a beauty salon and academy in Jalandhar. She has walked the ramp at events like Lakmé Fashion Week and is known for her advocacy in mental health and education for underprivileged children. She donated to the Foundation for Slum Child Care in Bangkok during her pageant journey.
Additionally, Rachel A. Gupta is a seasoned legal professional based in New York, specializing in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as a mediator, arbitrator, and consultant through her practice, Gupta Dispute Resolutions LLC, founded in 2020. She is affiliated with JAMS, the American Arbitration Association, FINRA, and CPR.
With over 20 years of experience, she previously worked as a commercial litigator and in-house counsel for a public corporation and an investment management firm, handling high-stakes litigation in financial services, securities, insurance, and more.
She holds a B.A. (magna cum laude) from The George Washington University and a J.D. (cum laude) from Fordham University School of Law. She is admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey, and federal courts.
From Historic Win to Harsh Reality
In a 56-minutes video posted via her official YouTube handle, Rachel, who was crowned in November 2024 in Thailand, revealed that her experience as Miss Grand International was vastly different from the glamorous image projected to the public.
“The last time I was truly happy was the day I won,” she said, describing the subsequent months as the worst of her life.
Allegations of Mistreatment and Neglect
Rachel detailed systemic neglect and emotional abuse during her stay in Thailand. She claimed she was moved from a cramped hotel room to a dilapidated house far from the city, without access to basic amenities like a car, a mobile phone, kitchenware, or even proper food. Requests for fruits or gym access were ignored. “They should at least give their queen food,” she said tearfully.
Adding to her distress, she said her physical appearance was constantly scrutinised. One representative allegedly pinched her body and told her where she needed to lose weight — while denying her tools to stay fit.
Mental Health Struggles and Financial Exploitation
Rachel revealed deep emotional and mental struggles, saying she often felt isolated and abandoned. “What should I post?” she asked, referencing the lack of events and support. “There was nobody to take pictures of me. I was just sitting in the house, depressed.”
Financially, Rachel claimed she was paid only for the first month and was forced to rely on her parents. She also alleged that $1,000 went missing from her luggage and the organisation refused to take responsibility. Her contract, she said, was presented under pressure, with no room for negotiation.
Pageant Politics and ‘Vote Buying’
Rachel also exposed alleged vote-buying by some countries through “donations.” Admitting she couldn’t afford to pay for votes herself, she said the only reason she won was because of genuine public support.
She criticised the pageant’s business model, revealing she was pressured to sell products like chili sauce on TikTok. “You have women who want to create change, and you want her to sell chili paste?”
A Warning to Aspiring Contestants
Rachel concluded with a powerful message to young women. “If you’re thinking of competing, please go into it completely aware. Even if you win, you’re on your own.” She accused Miss Grand International of caring only about appearances, not advocacy or queens’ well-being.
A Courageous Exit
While the organisation later claimed her title was revoked, Rachel insists her resignation was voluntary and rooted in strength, not defeat. “I don’t feel like I’ve lost anything. I feel like I gained everything… I have my life back.”
Rachel ended by thanking her supporters and promised to continue using her voice to create real change.
