Miss Universe cuts ties with Indonesia chapter after harassment allegations

A contestant's lawyer claimed that 30 Miss Universe Indonesia finalists were victims of sexual abuse. - PHOTO: JAKARTA GLOBE

WASHINGTON/JAKARTA (AFP): The Miss Universe Organisation has cut ties with its Indonesia franchise, it announced days after allegations of sexual harassment, and will cancel an upcoming Malaysia edition.

In the complaint, more than a half dozen women said all 30 finalists for Miss Universe Indonesia were unexpectedly asked to strip for a supposed body check for scars and cellulite two days before the pageant's crowning ceremony in Jakarta.