Photo Credit: The FAME
In a move that’s both shocking and symbolic, Rachel Gupta, a trailblazer from Punjab and the first Indian to win the Miss Grand International crown – has walked away from it all, citing a “toxic environment” and mistreatment behind the glamorous curtain of global pageantry.
Yes, Punjab’s golden girl who made the nation proud on an international stage has now made headlines again – but this time, for choosing peace over pageantry.
“The Crown Was Beautiful, But the Experience Wasn’t”
Rachel, who won hearts and headlines when she bagged the international title in October 2024, recently took to social media to announce her decision to step down. In an emotionally charged message, she hinted that what seemed like a dream turned out to be an ordeal, revealing that her post-crowning experience was plagued by toxicity and disrespect.
“Being the first Indian to hold this title was an honour. But staying silent in the face of mistreatment is not,” she shared.
Her statement didn’t go into full detail, but it was powerful enough to raise eyebrows and questions across the global pageant community.
A Pattern Emerging?
Interestingly, Rachel isn’t the only beauty queen to leave her throne behind. Earlier this year, Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt also stepped down, citing a toxic work environment and mental health struggles. Shortly after, Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava followed suit, calling out values misalignment within the organization.
What’s going on behind the glitz and glamour? These successive resignations are making it clear that there’s more to beauty pageants than what meets the eye—and not all of it is pretty.
From Punjab to the World Stage – And Back with a Message
Rachel hails from Jalandhar, Punjab—a city known more for sports and culture than international pageants. Her historic win had ignited a sense of pride across India, especially in her home state. Her journey was seen as a symbol of what Indian women—especially from smaller towns—can achieve with hard work, grace, and grit.
That’s why her decision to walk away from the limelight is even more powerful. It’s not just a resignation—it’s a bold message to young women everywhere: no title is worth compromising your dignity.
The Glamour Mask Is Slipping
Rachel’s story, like Noelia’s and UmaSofia’s, is part of a growing chorus of women speaking up about the darker side of the pageant world. Whispers of exploitation, mental health neglect, and unrealistic expectations have long haunted the industry, but now, winners are putting those issues in the spotlight.
