Celina Jaitly slams Miss England Milla Magee’s claims of pageant exploitation, says, "this is a beauty pageant, not an HR seminar"

Celina Jaitly slams Miss England Milla Magee’s claims of pageant exploitation, says, "this is a beauty pageant, not an HR seminar"

Former Miss India, Miss Universe runner-up, and UN Goodwill Ambassador Celina Jaitly has strongly rebutted allegations made by Miss England, Milla Magee, who recently made headlines after withdrawing mid-competition from Miss World India.

Magee accused the pageant of being exploitative, citing excessive sponsor events and pressure to wear specific outfits as the reasons behind her exit.

In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Celina Jaitly addressed these claims with poise, facts, and a powerful defense of the institution of pageantry.

Responding to Magee’s accusations that contestants were “exploited under the guise of pageantry,” Jaitly stated, “There’s a fundamental misunderstanding here. This is a beauty pageant, not an HR seminar.”

Jaitly, who has represented India at Miss Universe in Puerto Rico, brought her first-hand experience to the forefront to challenge the narrative Magee presented. “We were clearly briefed that the host country invests enormous resources to put together an event of this scale. There wasn’t a single day when we weren’t attending three to four events alongside rehearsals. There was no time for anything else and we did it all with pride.”

She went on to say, “Each event was supported by sponsors, and yes, it is entirely normal to be asked to dress according to the occasion. That’s part of being a contestant. After all, this is a beauty pageant.”

Addressing Magee’s preference for CPR training over swimsuit rounds, Jaitly said, “That’s like a doctor entering a beauty pageant and insisting on performing surgery. It reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the platform she voluntarily entered.”

Magee’s mid-competition exit on May 16 marked the first-ever such withdrawal in Miss England’s 74-year history. Jaitly, disappointed by the fallout, emphasized the evolving, empowering nature of modern pageants.

“Pageants have evolved into powerful platforms of inclusivity celebrating diversity in body types, backgrounds, and identities — far beyond traditional beauty norms,” Jaitly said.

She firmly rejected the comparison Magee made between sponsor engagement and exploitation. “Attending multiple engagements, presenting yourself with poise, and representing your country with dignity is not exploitation — it is the very essence of what international pageantry demands. Gratitude isn’t servitude; it’s professionalism.”

Jaitly also expressed disappointment over the way India’s global pageantry legacy was being overshadowed. “India is the land of legendary beauty queens, and to see unfounded allegations, especially when contradicted by official footage and statements from Miss World Chairperson Julia Morley, is deeply disappointing. The truth must matter.”

She also emphasized the global cultural and economic role of Indian beauty queens: “Beauty queens like me… Celina Jaitly, Sushmita Sen, Aishwarya Rai, Lara Dutta, and Priyanka Chopra have helped open India’s doors to international recognition. We are not just beauty queens — we are economic revolutionaries.”

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On Magee’s alleged use of terms equating sponsor interaction with prostitution, Jaitly responded sharply: “That is not only deeply offensive — it’s a reckless misuse of language that belittles women and disrespects the millions who work in the beauty and fashion industry.”

She underscored the significance of the beauty and fashion industries: “The global beauty industry alone is projected to generate $667 billion by 2025, while the fashion industry is valued at approximately $1.7 trillion. These sectors are economic engines offering jobs and platforms for empowerment and cultural expression.”

In closing, Jaitly reflected on how the pageant world transformed her life. “Miss India and Miss Universe gave a girl like me, who grew up in the remotest parts of India as an infantryman’s daughter, a platform and an opportunity to change my life overnight.”

As the controversy unfolds, Celina Jaitly’s response stands as a strong defense of the values, purpose, and evolution of international beauty pageants — a world where, as she asserts, professionalism, respect, and representation reign.