Gupta dethroned or resigned? Conflicting statements emerge in pageant fallout

In a stunning development that has rocked the global pageant community, the Miss Grand International Organization (MGI) announced they has officially stripped Rachel Gupta of her Miss Grand International 2024 title, citing multiple violations of protocol and contract.

The announcement, released through an official statement from MGI, detailed Gupta’s alleged breaches, including failure to fulfill her assigned duties, unauthorized participation in external projects, and refusal to join a scheduled advocacy trip to Guatemala.

“This decision follows her failure to fulfill her assigned duties, engagement in external projects without prior approval from the organization, and her refusal to participate in the scheduled trip to Guatemala,” the statement said.

Effective immediately, Gupta is no longer recognized as Miss Grand International 2024 and has been instructed to return the crown within 30 days. She is also barred from identifying herself as a titleholder moving forward.

The dethronement, rare in the pageant’s recent history, has sparked widespread discussion among fans and insiders alike. MGI has yet to announce whether the first runner-up will inherit the crown or if a new queen will be named.

Gupta, who won the crown to much fanfare just months ago, has yet to issue a public statement on the matter.

The organization concluded its announcement by reaffirming its core mission: “We uphold the values of responsibility, professionalism, and commitment to our cause. Every queen crowned under Miss Grand International carries the weight of this mission.”

As the pageant community processes the fallout, questions remain over who — if anyone — will be crowned Miss Grand International 2024.

Gupta claims otherwise

Rachel Gupta released her own statement, contradicting MGI’s claim of a forcible dethronement.

“It is with deep regret that I share this news: I have made the decision to step down as Miss Grand International 2024 and return my crown,” Gupta wrote in a heartfelt post across her social media platforms.

According to Gupta, her decision came after enduring what she described as “broken promises, mistreatment, and a toxic environment” within the MGI Organization. She alleged that the reality of her reign sharply deviated from the dream she had envisioned.

“Being crowned was one of the most cherished dreams of my life,” she said. “However, the environment I was forced to endure is something I can no longer tolerate in silence.”

Gupta’s statement casts a starkly different light on the controversy, suggesting her departure was voluntary and rooted in deeper systemic issues.

“This decision was not made lightly,” she added. “In the coming days, I will be releasing a full video sharing the details behind this difficult journey.”

Supporters quickly rallied behind Gupta, flooding social media with messages of encouragement and admiration for her courage. Pageant fans and fellow queens praised her for speaking out and standing by her principles.

The Miss Grand International Organization has yet to address Gupta’s specific allegations or respond to her version of events. It also remains unclear who will succeed Gupta as the official titleholder.

In her final message, Gupta asked the public for understanding: “I ask for your compassion, your open hearts, and your continued support as I take this next step. Your love means more than you know.” with NICHOLAS PRICE