In a shocking turn of events, Rachel Gupta, the first Indian to win the Miss Grand International 2024 crown, has stepped down from her title, sparking controversy and a war of words with the pageant organisation. While Rachel claims she resigned due to mistreatment and a toxic environment, the Miss Grand International (MGI) Organisation insists she was dismissed for contract violations.
Who is Rachel Gupta?
Born on January 23, 2004, in Patiala, and raised in Jalandhar, Rachel Gupta comes from a family of business professionals. Her parents, Rajesh Aggarwal and Jennifer Gupta, supported her pageant dreams from the very beginning. A psychology student at the University of Mumbai, Rachel also devoted time to social causes, particularly mental health awareness.
First Indian ever to win Miss Grand International
Before winning Miss Grand International, she had already made headlines by clinching the Miss Super Talent of the World 2022 crown at the age of 18. On October 25, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand, Rachel became history once againbeing the very first Indian to be crowned Miss Grand International. She earned her place in the global contest after winning the national crown on August 11, 2024, in Jaipur.
Rachel's exit:"A poisonous atmosphere"
On May 29, 2025, Rachel made the announcement on Instagram that she would be resigning. In a tearful message, she stated that the months following her coronation were spent in "betrayals, abuse, and a toxic environment." She noted that the choice wasn't easy but one she had to make for her mental health. "Even if it wasn't an easy decision, I made the right one," she posted, issuing an apology to fans. "Please know I couldn't remain quiet any longer.
The pageant's counter: "She was fired"
The Miss Grand International Organisation hit back with a sharp statement of their own. They terminated Rachel’s title and demanded the crown be returned within 30 days. According to them, Rachel violated her contract, refused to participate in official events (including a trip to Guatemala), and engaged in unauthorized activities. At the same time, MGI crowned Christine Juliane Opiaza of the Philippines as the new Miss Grand International 2024.
What’s next?
As the situation unfolds, many are rallying behind Rachel, while others await her promised tell-all video. The controversy is raising serious questions about the beauty pageant industry, its internal operations, and how it treats its titleholders after the spotlight fades.Whatever the truth may be, Rachel Gupta’s exit is not just a pageant scandal it’s a reminder that glamour often hides deeper cracks behind the crown.
