Miss England quits Miss World pageant, says she felt like a ‘prostitute’ for wealthy sponsors
Hyderabad, India – Milla Magee, the reigning Miss England, has withdrawn from the 72nd Miss World pageant, sparking controversy with allegations of exploitation.
The 24-year-old lifeguard from Newquay, Cornwall, claims she felt “like a prostitute” due to the pageant’s treatment of contestants.
The Miss World Organization has denied these claims, stating Magee left for personal reasons related to a family emergency.
This unprecedented exit—the first by a Miss England in the pageant’s 74-year history—has ignited debate about the treatment of women in beauty pageants.
Contestant Speaks Out
Milla Magee arrived in Hyderabad on May 7, 2025, to participate in the Miss World pageant.
She withdrew on May 16, initially citing “personal reasons.” In a candid interview with The Sun, Magee revealed her true reasons.
She felt “used” and “objectified” by organizers. Contestants were reportedly required to wear heavy makeup and evening gowns at all times, including breakfast.
Magee described being paraded before wealthy male sponsors, expected to entertain them for entire evenings.
“I went there to make a difference, but we had to sit like performing monkeys,” Magee said. “I felt like a prostitute. We were farmed out for entertainment.”
She recounted uncomfortable interactions, including “weird small-talk” with middle-aged male guests.
Her attempts to discuss her humanitarian campaigns, such as CPR awareness, were ignored.
Magee also reported being scolded by officials for being “boring” at an event.
As England’s first plus-size Miss World entrant, she felt reduced to her appearance, contrary to the pageant’s “Beauty With a Purpose” ethos.
Organizers Respond
On May 24, 2025, the Miss World Organization issued an official statement refuting Magee’s allegations.
They claimed she requested to leave due to a family emergency involving her mother’s health.
Julia Morley CBE, Chairwoman of Miss World, arranged Magee’s return to England, prioritizing her well-being.
“These claims are completely unfounded and inconsistent with the reality of her time with us,” Morley stated.
The organization labeled Magee’s statements as “false and defamatory.” They announced plans to release unedited videos of Magee’s time in India, showing her expressing gratitude and joy.
The statement emphasized Miss World’s commitment to dignity and its core values.
A senior official from the host nation told NewsMeter that a meeting was scheduled for May 25, 2025, to discuss the issue. A joint statement from Miss World and Indian organizers is expected soon.
Background on Milla Magee
Milla Magee’s journey to Miss England was groundbreaking. As the first plus-size winner, she challenged traditional beauty standards.
Her victory in 2024 was celebrated as a step toward inclusivity. A lifeguard and surfer, Magee has used her platform to advocate for CPR education through her “Go Far With CPR” campaign.
This initiative, supported by Prince William during a royal visit to Newquay, aims to teach lifesaving skills.
Magee is also an environmental activist. She joined Surfers Against Sewage, campaigning to end sewage discharges in bathing waters by 2030.
Her advocacy extends to addressing pollution on Britain’s beaches, a cause tied to her surfing background.
Her mother, Katrina Russell, was involved in Oasis management at Creation Records, connecting Magee to the music world through her mother’s friendship with Meg Matthews, Noel Gallagher’s first wife.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Milla Magee |
| Age | 24 |
| Occupation | Lifeguard, Surfer, Miss England 2024 |
| Campaigns | “Go Far With CPR,” Surfers Against Sewage |
| Pageant Exit Date | May 16, 2025 |
| Reason Given Initially | Personal reasons |
| Actual Reason | Felt exploited, objectified, and disrespected |
| Historical Significance | First Miss England to quit Miss World in 74 years |
| Replacement | Charlotte Grant, 25, Miss England runner-up, Miss Liverpool |
Pageant Continues
The Miss World pageant continues despite the controversy. Charlotte Grant, 25, the Miss England runner-up from Liverpool, arrived in Hyderabad to replace Magee.
The final, set to air in over 180 countries, will crown a new winner next week. The pageant, established in 1951, emphasizes talent, intelligence, and philanthropy alongside beauty.
India, hosting the 2025 edition, has a proud history with Miss World, with past winners like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
Reactions and Implications
Magee’s allegations have fueled discussions about beauty pageants’ relevance. Supporters on X praise her courage, with one user stating, “It’s about time someone called out these pageants.”
Others defend Miss World, suggesting Magee’s experience may not reflect the entire event. An X post by CornwallLive highlighted her withdrawal, noting her Newquay roots.
The release of Miss World’s videos could shape public opinion. If they show Magee in a positive light, they may counter her claims.
However, skeptics might view them as selective. As of May 25, 2025, Magee has not responded to the organizers’ statement, leaving the controversy unresolved.
The Miss World pageant faces scrutiny as it approaches its finale. Magee’s exit may prompt reforms in how contestants are treated.
Her advocacy work, from CPR education to environmental protection, positions her to influence these discussions.
The controversy highlights the tension between tradition and modern expectations of empowerment in beauty pageants.
