May 25, 2025: Milla Magee, the reigning Miss England 2024, has made a bold and unprecedented move by withdrawing from the ongoing Miss World pageant held in Telangana, India. Known for her inspiring background as a lifeguard and advocate for CPR awareness, Magee’s decision to leave the competition has stirred significant controversy and opened a spotlight on the pageant’s traditional practices.
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At just 23 years old, Magee became the first Miss England titleholder to voluntarily exit the Miss World stage, describing the event as “stuck in the past” and morally compromising. In a heartfelt statement, she expressed deep discomfort with the treatment of contestants, alleging they were objectified and forced into degrading situations. “I felt like a prostitute,” she revealed, describing how contestants were expected to parade in front of wealthy male sponsors and perform as mere entertainment.
Magee further criticized the pageant’s atmosphere, recalling that some finalists were labeled “boring” by organizers, a comment she found dismissive and dehumanizing. “I went there to make a difference, but instead we were made to sit like performing monkeys,” she said.
Her departure on May 16, 2025, has sparked a larger conversation about the relevance and ethics of beauty pageants in the modern era. Many are now questioning whether these contests still align with contemporary values or if they continue to perpetuate outdated and exploitative norms.
While the Miss World organization has yet to respond in detail to Magee’s allegations, her courageous stand has ignited calls for reform and greater respect for contestants worldwide. As the pageant continues, Magee’s voice remains a powerful reminder of the need to rethink how beauty and talent are celebrated on global platforms.