Who Is Rachel Gupta? Model Returns Miss Grand International 2024 Crown Over Alleged Mistreatment
Following this, the Miss Grand International Organization took to Instagram to share that Rachel Gupta’s title as Miss Grand International 2024 had been terminated, effective immediately.
In an unexpected turn of events, model Rachel Gupta, winner of ‘Miss Grand International 2024’, on Wednesday announced resignation from her title, citing alleged “toxic” environment and “broken” promises. However, an hour later, the agency shared a separate post to counter Gupta’s claims and said that she was terminated from the title.
The 21-year model, who was the first Indian to win the coveted crown, has stepped down from her title just a couple of months after her landmark victory. Gupta was crowned as the Miss Grand International in October 2024.
“To all my supporters around the world: I’m truly sorry if this news has disappointed you. Please know this wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right one for me. The truth will come out very soon,” Gupta’s Instagram post read. The 21-year-old model alleged that she was pushed to take this call as she could no longer suffer the environment of “mistreatment” and “toxicity”.
Following this, the Miss Grand International Organization took to Instagram to share that Rachel Gupta’s title as Miss Grand International 2024 had been terminated, effective immediately.
“This decision follows her failure to fulfil her assigned duties, engagement in external projects without prior approval from the organization, and her refusal to participate in the scheduled trip to Guatemala,” the agency said. It added that Gupta was no longer authorised to use the title and had to return the crown within 30 days of the agency’s notice.
Gupta told her fans that she will be releasing a video soon to explain the details of her exit from the beauty pageant. Her post has garnered over one lakh likes, with fans outpouring their support for the young model.
Who Is Rachel Gupta?
The 21-year-old model belongs to a business family from Patiala, Punjab. Born in January 2004, she started her career in modelling at the age of 18 in 2022.
She has over 1.4 million followers on Instagram and enjoys significant social media popularity.
In 2022, she won 'Miss Super Talent of the World' at the age of 18, alongside continuing her education.
According to Gupta’s uncle, she now shares the record for most global pageant crown wins by an Indian, tying with former Miss Universe Lara Dutta. She earned her Miss Grand International spot after winning Miss Grand India in August 2024.
“This is the first time in Miss Grand International’s history that an Indian won the golden crown and it’s a super proud moment for Jalandhar, Punjab and India,” her uncle Minhas had told the Indian Express on her victory.
During her 2022 victory, Gupta had said that she hoped to be an inspiration for women around the world. “I hope my journey inspires and encourages them to have aspirations, break the chains and work towards accomplishing their dreams,” she was quoted as saying by Khaleej Times.
