Rachel Gupta—the first Indian to win the Miss Grand International title—has announced her resignation, less than a year after her historic win. The 21-year-old model from Jalandhar, Punjab, made the announcement via an emotional Instagram post, revealing she could no longer endure the toxic environment within the organisation.
“Being crowned was one of the most cherished dreams of my life,” Rachel wrote. “But the months following my crowning have been marked by broken promises, mistreatment, and a toxic environment I can no longer endure in silence.”
Rachel clinched the international crown on October 25, 2024, during a grand ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand. She had earlier secured her place by winning the Miss Grand India 2024 title on August 11, in Jaipur. Hosted by the Glamanand Group, the event saw her sweeping various subtitles including Miss Top Model, Best Ramp Walk, and Beauty with a Purpose.
Following her win, Rachel participated in several events abroad. She represented India at the Miss Grand Suraburi 2025 event and supported the Foundation for Slum Child Care in Bangkok, donating essentials worth 10,000 Thai Baht. Despite these contributions, things behind the scenes were not as glamorous.
On May 28, 2025, Rachel publicly announced her decision to step down. In her statement, she apologized to her supporters, saying, “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.” She further promised to share more details, adding, “The truth will come out very soon.”
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However, the Miss Grand International Organisation responded with swift action, issuing a public statement of their own. Accusing Rachel of breaching her contract, the organisation stated, “The Miss Grand International Organisation hereby announces the termination of Miss Rachel Gupta’s title, effective immediately. She must return the crown within 30 days.”
According to their statement, Rachel allegedly failed to fulfill her responsibilities, participated in outside projects without official approval, and declined to attend an official trip to Guatemala.
Born on January 23, 2004, in Patiala and raised in Jalandhar, Rachel Gupta comes from a family of business professionals. Her father, Rajesh Aggarwal, and mother, Jennifer Gupta, have supported her journey from the start. She also has a younger sister named Rhea.
Rachel rose to fame at just 18, when she won Miss Supertalent of the World 2022 in Paris. The event coincided with Paris Fashion Week and saw participants from over 50 countries. Her early international success set the stage for her Miss Grand India and later, Miss Grand International triumph.
Following Rachel’s resignation, Christine Juliane Opiaza from the Philippines has been appointed as the new Miss Grand International 2024.
As the controversy unfolds, the spotlight now shifts to what Rachel Gupta might reveal next, and how this incident might impact the credibility of international beauty pageants moving forward.
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