The Miss World pageant has long adorned itself with the mantra of “beauty with a purpose.” However, that commitment is now under scrutiny following the resignation of reigning Miss England, Milla Magee, who accused the organisers of fostering a culture of exploitation and neglect. Magee’s departure ahead of the grand final in India was not merely a personal choice; she described a troubling environment that prioritised aesthetics over advocacy, leaving her feeling like she was used merely as "window dressing."

Magee signed up for the Miss World pageant with the intention of using the global platform to promote her campaign, “Go Far with CPR,” which seeks to incorporate CPR training into the school curriculum. Unfortunately, her experience within the pageant did not reflect her aspirations. “What I found was a contradiction to the values I wanted to represent,” she explained, highlighting a disconnection between the pageant’s public image and its internal practices. Magee’s claims indicate that contestants were treated more as ornamental figures rather than empowered advocates, with limited scope to champion their causes amidst the glitz.

In response, the Miss World organisers dismissed Magee's accusations as “false and defamatory,” alleging that her withdrawal stemmed from a lack of confidence in her competitive abilities rather than ideological disagreements. Julia Morley, chief executive of Miss World, asserted in an interview that Magee believed she had no chance of winning. Magee countered these assertions, labelling Morley’s comments as “vindictive and very bitter,” and emphasising her firm commitment to her values as her true reason for leaving. “I wanted to stand for what I believe in, and it didn’t align with my values,” she said.

Magee’s actions resonate strongly in the context of changing societal expectations around beauty and representation. The Miss England pageant itself has recently undertaken significant changes, such as eliminating the traditional swimwear round in favour of a “CPR Queen” challenge where contestants are assessed on their CPR skills. This shift, influenced by Magee’s advocacy, signals a movement towards modernising beauty pageants to focus on life skills and social responsibility, a direction that she suggests should be embraced more broadly within the overarching Miss World organisation.

Outside the confines of the pageant, Magee has been vocal about her experiences with body image issues, openly sharing her struggles with body dysmorphia and societal pressures that often accompany the beauty industry. Her advocacy extends beyond just CPR; she addresses broader issues of self-acceptance and challenges against body stereotypes. As a trained lifeguard, Magee’s commitment to public health is personal, particularly following family health emergencies that underscored the necessity of CPR training.

While the Miss World pageant claims to celebrate beauty with purpose, Magee’s departure has illuminated an urgent need for the organisation to reassess its priorities. As she explained, “There are a lot of tears behind the smiles,” highlighting not only her discomfort but the likely discontent of other contestants who may feel similarly disillusioned. She has since called for the organisation to modernise and listen to the voices of those who contest under its banner, urging them to acknowledge the systemic issues that sway young women towards disillusionment.

As Magee moves forward, her call to action has already resonated with many who relate to her experiences, suggesting that her departure may spark a necessary dialogue about the role and relevance of beauty pageants in modern society. With high-profile support for her campaigns, including backing from Prince William, Magee’s efforts could pave the way for not only a shift in beauty standards but also a meaningful commitment to education and health that aligns with the times.

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Source: Noah Wire Services