CJ Opiaza poised to be Miss Grand International 2024 as Rachel Gupta steps down

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The Philippines' CJ Opiaza, the first runner-up, is expected to assume the mantle after the Indian beauty queen Rachel Gupta returns her crown

MANILA, Philippines — In an unexpected announcement on Wednesday, May 28, Miss Grand International 2024 Rachel Gupta confirmed that she was stepping down from her title.

In an Instagram post, Gupta shared how much the title meant to her and to her country, which represented their pride, hope, and dreams. 

“Being crowned was one of the most cherished dreams of my life, and I was filled with hope and pride to represent my country and make history,” she said. 

The Indian pageant queen cited “broken promises, mistreatment, and a toxic environment” as the reasons behind her difficult decision, saying that she “can no longer endure in silence.”

“This decision was not made lightly. In the coming days, I will be releasing a full video sharing the details behind this difficult journey.” 

She continued her statement by calling on her supporter’s compassion and understanding, as she takes on the next steps of her action. 

“Your love means more than you know,” Gupta added. 

Shortly after her post, the Miss Grand International (MGI) organization posted a statement on social media, announcing the immediate termination of Gupta from the title. 

According to the organization, the decision was due to her “failure to perform her assigned duties, engagement in external projects without prior approval from the organization, and her refusal to participate in the scheduled trip to Guatemala.”

MGI has unauthorized Gupta to use the title and has requested that her crown be returned to their head office within 30 days. 

With the title now vacant, it is anticipated that the Philippines’ CJ Opiaza, the runner-up to Gupta, will assume the mantle. Opiaza represented Castillejos, Zambales, at the 2024 Miss Grand Philippines, and was named the Philippines’ official bet to the international pageant in September 2024.

Rachel and CJ were crowned on October 25, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand, along with Thae Su Nyein of Myanmar, who was named second runner-up but was also stripped of her title due to alleged “inappropriate behavior and actions that violated several regulations.” – with reports by Kevin Ian Lampayan/Rappler.com

Kevin Ian Lampayan  is a Rappler intern studying Bachelor of Arts in Literary and Cultural Studies at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.