India’s Rachel Gupta Stripped of Miss Grand International 2024 Title Over Alleged Breach of Duties

The Miss Grand International (MGI) Organization has officially revoked the crown of Rachel Gupta, Miss Grand International 2024, citing multiple breaches of her responsibilities as the reigning queen. The decision, announced via the pageant’s social media platforms, marks a historic and controversial shake-up in the global beauty pageant circuit.

Gupta, who made history as the first Indian woman to win the MGI title during the grand coronation night held in October 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, has now become the first winner in the pageant’s history to be publicly stripped of her crown.

According to the official statement released by the MGI Organization, Gupta’s removal was due to a “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.” These actions, the organization claims, were in direct violation of the contract she signed upon winning the title.

“The Miss Grand International Organization hereby announces the termination of Miss Rachel Gupta’s title as Miss Grand International 2024, effective immediately,” the statement read. “She is no longer authorized to represent or use the title in any capacity and is requested to return the crown within 30 days.”

While details remain limited, insiders say Gupta’s absence from official MGI events had caused concern among organizers and fans in recent months. Her reported refusal to join the organization’s international activities, especially the planned goodwill mission in Guatemala, appeared to be the tipping point.

The pageant world is now abuzz with speculation over who will assume the prestigious crown. During the 2024 competition, Philippines’ candidate Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza finished as first runner-up. With Gupta officially dethroned, pageant followers eagerly await confirmation on whether Opiaza will be elevated to the top title — a move that would mark the Philippines’ first-ever Miss Grand International victory.

Fans and supporters of Opiaza have taken to social media, expressing pride in her performance and voicing hope that justice will be served in light of Gupta’s disqualification. Opiaza had impressed both judges and audiences with her strong presence, eloquent answers during the Q&A portion, and advocacy work.

The Miss Grand International pageant, founded in 2013, is known for its “Stop the War and Violence” campaign and has rapidly grown in popularity, especially in Asia and Latin America. It emphasizes global goodwill, cultural ambassadorship, and humanitarian work — responsibilities that, according to the organization, every titleholder must take seriously.

Gupta’s fall from grace has sparked mixed reactions in India, where many had celebrated her win as a landmark achievement for the country’s pageant community. Some fans expressed disappointment and confusion over the decision, calling for more transparency from the MGI Organization. Others criticized Gupta for allegedly neglecting her commitments so soon after winning an international crown.

As of writing, Gupta has not issued a public response to the announcement. The MGI Organization has also not clarified if it has been in direct communication with her regarding the return of the crown or her reasons for missing official engagements.

If CJ Opiaza is formally declared the new Miss Grand International 2024, it would be a momentous victory for the Philippines, which has consistently placed high in the competition but has yet to claim the top title. Her promotion could also open doors for more visibility and influence in future editions of the pageant.

For now, the international pageant community watches closely as one reign ends in controversy — and possibly, another begins in triumph.