Rachel Gupta, the first Indian to win Miss Grand International, has walked away from the crown just seven months after her historic win. She announced her decision to step down on Instagram, citing “broken promises” and an unhealthy work environment as reasons. However, the organisation behind the pageant says she did not resign, and they fired her.
Rachel Gupta leaves Miss Grand crown months after win organisers claim she was firedInstagram/_rachelgupta
Gupta posted a statement online explaining that she could no longer remain silent about how she was treated. Though she called winning the crown a dream come true, she said the experience that followed was nothing short of disappointing. “There were promises made, none of which were kept,” she said, later sharing a detailed video about everything that happened.
- YouTubewww.youtube.com
While her tone was emotional and apologetic towards fans, the organisers’ response was firm. The Miss Grand International (MGI) Organisation issued a statement confirming her removal, claiming she did not meet the expectations of her role. They alleged she skipped official duties, worked on outside projects without their approval, and refused to travel for a scheduled event in Guatemala.
The organisation has asked her to return the crown within 30 days.
Gupta had been crowned in October 2024, becoming the first Indian woman to win the MGI title. Her win was celebrated widely, especially given her previous success at international pageants like Miss Supertalent in Paris.
But trouble had been brewing from the beginning. Pageant followers might recall an awkward moment from the same crowning night when the second runner-up was stripped of her title on stage by the organisers. Now, Gupta’s exit has only intensified scrutiny around how these events are run.
Both sides are sticking to their version though. Gupta says she quit on her own terms; the organisers insist she was fired. What is clear is that this was not the fairy tale ending anyone had hoped for. Whether it is a matter of clashing expectations or something deeper, Gupta has promised to tell all in the days to come.
For now, the crown may be off, but the conversation is not going away anytime soon.
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Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner during the Knicks vs Pacers playoff game
Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner spark buzz with courtside PDA at Knicks game
The New York Knicks may have won Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers, but it was Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner who truly stole the spotlight at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night. Sitting courtside among a sea of celebrities, the couple’s very public display of affection became the real talking point of the evening, with videos of their kiss flooding social media.
Cameras captured the duo leaning in close, whispering, kissing, and holding hands while seated next to actors Miles Teller and Ben Stiller. Chalamet, in a blue-and-orange Knicks jacket inspired by Patrick Ewing, looked completely at ease next to Jenner, who kept it sleek in a white top, leather trousers, and a Knicks cap. The two looked more like a couple on a romantic night out than high-profile guests at a tense playoff game.
Online reactions were swift and fierce. Some joked that Chalamet was whispering spoilers for Dune: Part Two, while others compared the couple to overly affectionate teens in a school hallway. Criticism also surfaced, with users questioning Jenner’s absence from her children’s lives during such outings. Still, many were amused and intrigued by their chemistry.
Chalamet, a known Knicks fan and frequent attendee, has been spotted courtside multiple times throughout the playoff season. Jenner joined him earlier this month for a game against the Celtics, though their PDA was more subdued then.
Their latest appearance marked Jenner’s return to MSG, and this time, the couple didn’t hold back. After the Knicks clinched the win, the two were seen celebrating in the Garden’s back hallways, high-fiving fans and soaking in the playoff energy. Jenner raised her arms in triumph as she ran past the Knicks dancers, while Chalamet cheered with fans along the tunnel.
The pair, who went public with their relationship in late 2023 after being spotted at a Beyoncé concert, have slowly become regulars at major events, walking red carpets and appearing at festivals together and their appearance at the Knicks game was no different.
And fans are now playfully noting a trend: the Knicks are undefeated whenever Jenner shows up. Coincidence? Perhaps. But it’s certainly working for now.