The Miss World 2025 pageant, held in Hyderabad, India, took a dramatic turn when Miss England, Milla Magee, suddenly exited the competition midway. She first cited a family emergency, but later disclosed troubling details that revealed a deeper issue. Her decision and the reasons behind it have sparked global discussions about the treatment of women in beauty pageants.
Who Is Milla Magee?
Milla Magee, the winner of Miss England 2024, is a 23-year-old law graduate who actively promotes mental health awareness and gender equality. Many considered her a strong contender for the Miss World title because of her poise, intellect, and advocacy. Her exit from the event shocked both supporters and critics alike.
Initial Explanation: A “Family Emergency”
Magee initially explained her exit by pointing to a “family emergency involving her mother’s health.” Media outlets respected her privacy, and the Miss World organization issued a similar statement.
The Truth Comes Out: “I Felt Like a Prostitute”
Days after returning to England, Magee shared the real reason for her exit. In an interview with The Sun, she said the event made her feel exploited and objectified.
“I felt like a prostitute,” she said.
“They expected us to entertain wealthy male sponsors in ways that made me extremely uncomfortable.”
Although Miss World claims to promote “beauty with a purpose,” Magee felt the event still prioritized superficial standards over values. She also said that the atmosphere didn’t match the organization’s message of empowerment.
Miss World Organization’s Response
The Miss World Organization has not addressed Magee’s accusations directly. Their public statements have continued to emphasize the family emergency narrative. Critics argue that the organization is avoiding the larger issue Magee raised.
A Wake-Up Call for the Pageant Industry
Magee’s experience has raised serious questions, including:
- Are pageants still stuck in the past? Despite public claims of progress, contestants still face outdated beauty standards.
- How safe and ethical are these events? Magee’s statements reveal potential exploitation behind the scenes.
- Do pageants really empower women? Many wonder whether modern pageants genuinely offer platforms for change or just repackage old expectations.
Charlotte Grant Steps In
After Magee’s exit, the Miss England team selected Charlotte Grant, the first runner-up, to represent the country for the remainder of the Miss World 2025 competition.
Support from the Public
Magee received overwhelming support online. Supporters praised her bravery and called her decision a stand for dignity and self-respect.
“You did the right thing. Crowns come and go, but integrity lasts forever,” one Instagram user commented.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Integrity Over the Crown
Milla Magee’s decision to leave Miss World 2025 reflected her commitment to personal values. She rejected a platform that made her feel uncomfortable and unvalued, even at the cost of global recognition.
Her story reminds us that true beauty lies in character and courage. Pageants must evolve if they want to remain relevant in a world that increasingly demands fairness, respect, and authenticity.
