Miss Universe Indonesia contestants complain of sexual harassment

Six contestants of a Miss Universe Indonesia pageant have filed complaints with police accusing organisers of sexual harassment, after they alleged they were subjected to topless 'body checks', their lawyer said on Tuesday.

Police confirmed contestants had filed a report that would be investigated.

The contestants of the Indonesian beauty pageant, held in the capital Jakarta from July 29 to August 3, said the organisers asked five of them to strip to their underwear for physical examinations in a room with more than 20 people, including men.

The five contestants were then photographed topless, said their lawyer, Mellisa Anggraeni, adding there was no need for such checks. Six contestants had filed complaints, she said.

One of the complainants told a press conference, broadcast by news channel Kompas TV, that she had been asked to pose inappropriately, including by opening her legs.

"I felt like I was being peeked on, I was very confused and uncomfortable," said the unidentified woman. The broadcaster blurred her face.

Reuters tried to contact the company that runs the Miss Universe Indonesia pageant, PT Capella Swastika Karya, and the company's founder, Poppy Capella, through their social media accounts but they did not respond.

Reuters was not able to find contact details for a company spokesperson.

The Miss Universe Organization did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

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