Miss England stomps out of Miss World 2025, alleges exploitation, says felt disrespected and asked to socialise with middle-aged men

Earlier this month, Milla Maggie requested to leave the competition due to a reported family emergency involving her mother’s health. 

Julia Morley CBE Chairman and CEO

metro india news  I hyderabad

Miss England 2024, Milla Magee, has withdrawn from the ongoing Miss World 2025 pageant, citing deep concerns over the treatment of contestants and the outdated nature of the competition. Magee, who arrived in Hyderabad, India, on May 7, made the difficult decision to exit the pageant on May 16 after experiencing what she described as exploitation and a lack of respect for participants.

A British tabloid claimed that contestants were asked to socialise with middle-aged men. “We were expected to sit with them for the whole evening and entertain them as a thank you,” said Milla Magee to the tabloid.

The 24-year-old lifeguard from Newquay, a town in Cornwall, South West of England stated that she had entered the competition with the hope of making a difference and promoting positive change. However, she soon realised that the event was more focused on superficial appearances rather than meaningful advocacy. She described feeling like a "performing monkey" and noted that contestants were expected to wear makeup at all times and remain dressed in ball gowns throughout the day, including at breakfast.

One of the most troubling experiences Magee highlighted was being paraded in front of wealthy male sponsors, an act she found deeply uncomfortable and morally unacceptable. She stated that contestants were expected to entertain these individuals as a gesture of appreciation for their financial contributions to the event. Magee described this practice as degrading, saying it made her feel "like a prostitute" and led her to question the values of the competition.

Magee also revealed that some contestants were berated for being "boring" and that she personally experienced disrespect from officials. She recounted an incident where an official clapped their hands in her face to get her attention, treating her and others in a dismissive manner.

Despite her initial excitement about representing England on a global stage, Magee ultimately felt that the competition was stuck in the past and failed to align with modern values of empowerment and advocacy. She emphasised that "all the crowns and sashes in the world mean nothing compared to using your voice and making a difference."

Following her departure, Magee was replaced by Miss England runner-up Charlotte Grant, who will now represent England in the final round of the competition. Magee’s decision to withdraw has sparked discussions about the relevance and ethical standards of international beauty pageants. She hopes that her stand will encourage future reforms within the industry, ensuring that contestants are treated with dignity and respect.

Meanwhile, in a press statement, Julia Morley CBE, Chairman and CEO of the Miss World Organisation, shared “The Miss World Organisation would like to address 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, the statement highlighted

Miss World remains committed to truth, dignity, and the values of Beauty With a Purpose, it was stressed in the statement. According to sources, the Telangana Government has scheduled a meeting with Miss World organisers at 11 a.m. today.