Rachel Gupta, who made history as the first Indian to win the Miss Grand International title, has officially stepped down less than a year after her groundbreaking win. In a statement posted on social media, Gupta cited “broken promises, mistreatment, and a toxic environment” within the Miss Grand International Organisation as the reason for her resignation.
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Rachel Gupta: A Historic Win and a Sudden Resignation
The 21-year-old model from Jalandhar, Punjab, earned the international crown on October 25, 2024, at a grand ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand. She had earlier secured her place in the competition by winning the Miss Grand India 2024 title in August, in an event organised by the Glamanand Group.
However, on May 28, 2025, Rachel Gupta shocked her supporters by announcing her decision to resign from the Miss Grand International title. In a candid Instagram post, she revealed the reasons behind her decision.
“Being crowned was one of the most cherished dreams of my life, but the months following my crowning have been marked by broken promises, mistreatment, and a toxic environment I can no longer endure in silence,” she wrote.
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She also promised to reveal more details soon, writing, “The truth will come out very soon.”
“To all my supporters around the world: 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 added.
Miss Grand International Organisation Responds with Termination
In response, the Miss Grand International Organisation issued a public statement on Instagram. The organisation accused Gupta of breaching her contract.
“The Miss Grand International Organisation hereby announces the termination of Miss Rachel Gupta’s title, effective immediately,” the statement read. “She must return the crown within 30 days.”
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According to the organisation, Gupta failed to fulfill her duties, participated in outside projects without permission, and declined to join an official trip to Guatemala.
Who Is Rachel Gupta?
Born on January 23, 2004, in Patiala, Punjab, Rachel Gupta was raised in Jalandhar. Her parents, Rajesh Aggarwal and Jennifer Gupta, are business professionals. She has a younger sister named Rhea.
Gupta gained international recognition early on. At just 18, she won Miss Supertalent of the World 2022 in Paris, an event held alongside Paris Fashion Week and featuring contestants from over 50 countries.
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In May 2024, Gupta was named a finalist for the Miss Grand India competition, hosted by Glamanand. On August 11, 2024, she was crowned the winner at Zee Studios in Jaipur, Rajasthan. She also took home sub-titles including Miss Top Model, Best in Ramp Walk, Beauty with a Purpose, and Best National Costume.
As Miss Grand India, she travelled to Thailand to attend the Miss Grand Suraburi 2025 event and also supported the Foundation for Slum Child Care in Bangkok, donating essentials worth 10,000 THB.
Representing India, Rachel competed in the Miss Grand International 2024 pageant in Thailand and was crowned by outgoing titleholder Luciana Fuster of Peru. She became the first Indian and only the third Asian to win the crown.
Following her resignation, Christine Juliane Opiaza of the Philippines has been appointed as the new Miss Grand International 2024.
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