Milla Magee, Miss England 2024, has sparked a controversy after withdrawing from the Miss World pageant held in Hyderabad, citing personal and ethical concerns. The 24-year-old contestant alleged she was harassed and mistreated during her stay in Telangana, prompting strong reactions both in the UK and India.
Magee, who arrived in Hyderabad on May 7 for the international event, returned to the UK on May 16. In an interview with British tabloid The Sun, she described her experience as exploitative. Among her allegations were claims that contestants were forced to wear makeup and remain in ball gowns throughout the day—including during breakfast.
The controversy deepened after Magee claimed contestants were asked to socialise with middle-aged male sponsors as a gesture of gratitude for their financial support. “I went there to make a difference, but we had to sit like performing monkeys,” Magee was quoted as saying. “Morally, I couldn’t be a part of it. As far as I can see, it hasn’t changed.”
Responding to the accusations, Telangana minister and BRS working president KT Rama Rao issued a statement condemning the alleged harassment. Taking to social media platform X, he wrote, “You are a very strong woman, Milla Magee, and I am truly sorry you had to go through this in our state of Telangana. It has a rich culture of respecting women. Unfortunately, what you experienced doesn’t represent the real Telangana.”
“As a father of a girl child, I wish no woman or girl ever has to go through such horrific experiences. I strongly condemn the attitude of victim gaslighting and demand a thorough investigation into the allegations made by Miss England Milla Magee,” he added.
While the Miss World Organisation has dismissed the claims and cited a family emergency as the reason for Magee’s departure, the backlash has continued. The Telangana government is expected to review the matter further.
Magee’s departure has drawn attention to the long-standing criticisms of beauty pageants and their treatment of women. Meanwhile, Charlotte Grant, the first runner-up, has replaced Magee as England’s representative in the Miss World final, set to be live-streamed globally on May 31.
