Miss England quits Miss World pageant claiming organisers ‘farmed’ her out for entertainment

The Miss World Organisation has denied allegations made by Miss England.

Milla Magee claimed she was “farmed out for entertainment.” This statement came less than a week before the Miss World 2025 finale in Hyderabad, India. Magee, 24, from Newquay, Cornwall, quit the competition. She said participants were treated like “performing monkeys.”

Magee stated she couldn’t continue because the pageant felt “outdated” and “stuck in the past.” Initially, her departure on May 16 was attributed to “personal reasons.” Later, she alleged that contestants had to entertain middle-aged male investors.

“There were two girls at each table of six guests,” she explained. “We were expected to sit with them all evening.” Magee found this situation unbelievable and said it felt wrong. She added that Miss World should uphold certain values but feels outdated.

She also criticized officials for being disrespectful. They reprimanded participants for being “boring.” Magee noted this incident showed their lack of respect.

Julia Morley, CEO of Miss World Organisation, called Magee’s claims “false and defamatory.” She explained that Magee left due to a family emergency involving her mother’s health. Morley expressed compassion and arranged for Magee's return to England.

Morley stated that some UK media outlets published false statements about Magee’s experience in India. The organisation plans to release unedited videos showing Magee expressing gratitude during her stay.

Jayesh Ranjan, a senior official in Telangana state, commented on the allegations. He described them as “fabricated and highly exaggerated.” Ranjan mentioned reviewing CCTV footage from the night in question.

He noted that Magee was seated with one man and four women at an event. The man was a senior IAS officer known for his professionalism. Ranjan dismissed suggestions of inappropriate behavior as absurd.

The event occurred at Chowmahalla Palace on May 13 during a cultural evening. An unnamed government official reported that Magee sat with Miss Wales, who did not raise similar complaints.

Ranjan spoke with other contestants whose experiences contradicted Magee’s claims. He mentioned only minor complaints about excessive selfie requests from fans.

After Magee's departure, first runner-up Charlotte Grant arrived in India on Wednesday. She will represent England at the final scheduled for May 31.