In October 2024, a new name was etched into the history books. Rachel Gupta, representing her country, was crowned Miss Grand International. The Thailand-based pageant witnessed a pivotal moment as she became the first Indian beauty queen to claim this prestigious title.
Her journey began far from the global stage, in Jalandhar, Punjab. Long before the crown, she was building a different kind of empire. At just 18, she launched The Glam Bar, a self-care salon focused on empowerment through aesthetic training.
Standing at 5’10”, she commands attention. Her work as a model and actor, fluent in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, bridges cultures. This victory is more than a pageant win. It’s the arrival of a multifaceted force—a businesswoman and cultural ambassador.
Her story is one of ambition and determination. It’s a narrative that deserves to be understood in its full complexity, from triumph to the challenges that followed.
Rachel Gupta: Triumphs and Trailblazing Achievements
A barrier that had stood for years finally crumbled at the Miss Grand International competition. The October 2024 event in Bangkok crowned its first-ever winner from India. This victory was a landmark moment for the international beauty pageant scene.
Her path to the grand international title began with a national win. Earning the Miss Grand India crown earlier that year was the first crucial step. It showcased her commanding runway presence and sharp communication skills.
Historic Miss Grand International Victory
The final question-and-answer segment was a defining moment. She addressed global resource scarcity with conviction. Her answer highlighted education and access to birth control, drawing from real-world observation.
This was not a performance based on beauty alone. She advocated for substantive change from the stage. The judges recognized a delegate with intelligence and purpose, leading to her historic win.
Breaking Cultural and Industry Barriers
The significance of this title resonated deeply across India. The nation has a long-standing appreciation for prestigious pageants. Her win was a source of immense cultural pride and global recognition.
Her commitment extended beyond the crown. As Miss Grand International 2024, she immediately engaged in charitable work. This included supporting the Foundation for Slum Child Care in Bangkok, turning her platform into action.
Controversy and Claims at Miss Grand International
What began as a triumphant crowning ceremony in October 2024 culminated in a public rupture that would dominate headlines in May 2025. The relationship between the titleholder and the organization deteriorated completely within seven months.
Allegations of Harassment and Inadequate Support
On May 28, 2025, the former Miss Grand International released a detailed YouTube video. The hour-long presentation quickly surpassed one million views.
She described seven months of alleged harassment and manipulation by the international public company. Her claims included being ignored and left without proper support from the organization.
MGI’s Formal Rebuttal and Public Statements
Miss Grand International Public Company Limited responded swiftly to the allegations. They issued a formal statement to major news outlets on June 6, 2025.
The organization called the video’s content false and defamatory. They specifically defended their Chief Operating Officer against all accusations.
MGI stated the former titleholder failed to fulfill her duties. They cited unauthorized external projects and refusal to travel to Guatemala.
| Allegations Made | MGI’s Response | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Harassment and manipulation by organization | Claims called “false and defamatory” | May 28, 2025: Video released |
| Inadequate support during reign | Accused of emotional appeals without evidence | Immediate: Crown rescinded via Instagram |
| Systemic mistreatment by public company limited | Defended COO Teresa Chaivisut specifically | June 6, 2025: Formal statement issued |
| Breach of contract narrative challenged | Cited duty failures and unauthorized projects | Same day: New titleholder announced |
The competing narratives created an unprecedented public dispute. Both sides presented contradictory versions of the facts surrounding the May 2025 events.
Behind the Crown: Personal and Professional Challenges
The titleholder’s reign was marked by contractual disputes and personal struggles that remained hidden from public view. The reality of life as Miss Grand International differed sharply from the glamorous expectations.
Navigating One-Sided Contracts and Unmet Promises
According to her account, the contract signed with the organization offered little room for negotiation. Promised financial support and accommodations allegedly never materialized.
This left the winner in a difficult financial position during her time as titleholder. She reportedly had to purchase her own communication devices while awaiting prize money.
Experiences of Public Scrutiny and Body Shaming
The pressure to maintain a specific appearance became intense. Organization representatives allegedly focused constantly on her body and weight.
She described humiliating experiences where officials would physically pinch her body. Comments about where she needed to lose weight made her feel diminished during what should have been a celebratory period.
The Impact of Poor Accommodations on Performance
Living conditions reportedly worsened as the reign continued. Initial cramped hotel rooms gave way to isolated housing far from the city center.
Without proper cooking facilities, reliance on takeout food led to weight changes. The organization allegedly showed little concern for her basic needs beyond public events.
The cumulative effect of these challenges created a toxic environment. It highlighted the human cost behind the beauty pageant title.
Looking Forward: A New Chapter for a Global Icon
Relinquishing the Miss Grand International crown opened unexpected doors for the entrepreneur. The formal request to return the title within 30 days became a turning point rather than an ending.
Rachel Gupta’s identity was always rooted in business, not just beauty. Her work with The Glam Bar demonstrated this long before the pageant spotlight. The recent controversy and competing claims haven’t changed that core drive.
Looking ahead, she plans to expand her ventures and pursue entertainment roles. Her advocacy for education and community support remains central. This former beauty queen is building what comes next on her own terms.
The way forward focuses on meaningful impact beyond any crown. For people following her journey, she represents resilience and authentic purpose. The news cycle moves on, but her work continues.
