HYDERABAD, MAY 24, 2025: Miss England Milla Maggee quits Miss World competitions in Hyderabad, citing exploitation. She is the first titleholder to do so in the competition’s 74-year history.
The 24-year-old lifeguard from New Quay, Cornwall, cited feelings of exploitation and moral conflict as reasons for her abrupt departure. Maggee revealed that during her time in Hyderabad, she felt objectified and pressured to entertain wealthy male sponsors, likening the experience to feeling ‘like a prostitute’.
She criticised the pageant for being outdated and valuing appearance over substance, despite its beauty with a purpose slogan. Contestants were reportedly expected to wear makeup and ball gowns at all times, even during breakfast and were assigned to tables with male sponsors for evening events.
“We were there to please these people and sit like performing monkeys”, Maggee said and added that “I couldn’t stand it”. Her decision to leave was initially attributed to personal reasons, but in an interview, she exposed the superficial treatment and lack of respect towards contestants.
Miss World Organisation CEO clarifies
Julia Morley CBE, Chairman and CEO of the Miss World Organisation, shared, “The Miss World Organisation would like to address recent media reports circulating in the British press concerning Miss England 2025, Milla Maggie, and her withdrawal from the 72nd Miss World Festival currently being held in India.
Earlier this month, Milla Maggie requested to leave the competition due to a reported family emergency involving her mother’s health. As a mother and grandmother herself, Julia Morley CBE, Chairwoman of Miss World, responded to Milla’s situation with compassion and immediately arranged her return to England, placing the well-being of the contestant and her family first.
Following her departure, Charlotte Grant, the 1st runner-up of Miss England, graciously stepped in to represent her country. Charlotte arrived in India on Wednesday and has since been warmly welcomed into the Miss World sisterhood.
Unfortunately, it has come to our attention that certain UK media outlets have published false and defamatory statements, allegedly made by Milla Maggie, regarding her experience in India. These claims are completely unfounded and inconsistent with the reality of her time with us.
In response, the Miss World Organisation is releasing unedited videos recorded during Milla’s stay in India, in which she expresses gratitude, joy, and appreciation for the experience. These videos reflect her own words and sentiments and serve as a direct contradiction to the recent false narratives.
Miss World remains committed to truth, dignity, and the values of Beauty With a Purpose. We urge media outlets to uphold journalistic integrity and verify their sources before publishing misleading content.
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