India's Rachel Gupta loses Miss Grand International title
Rachel Gupta from India made history when she was crowned Miss Grand International 2024 last October in Bangkok, Thailand. She became the first Indian woman to win the beauty title.
On Wednesday, May 28, the Miss Grand International organization officially announced her termination as titleholder with immediate effect.
According to MGI, the decision was made due to her "failure to fulfill her assigned duties, engagement in external projects without prior approval, and refusal to participate in the scheduled trip to Guatemala."
Contrary to MGI's announcement, Rachel also shared her own "decision to step down" and cited "broken promises, mistreatment, and a toxic environment" as her reasons for returning the crown.
"I'm truly sorry if this news has disappointed you. Please know this wasn't an easy decision, but it was the right one for me," she told her supporters.
MGI has yet to make an official proclamation if Miss Grand International 2024 first runner-up Christine Juliane Opiaza from the Philippines will take over the crown.
Photo: Rachel Gupta / Instagram