Sexual Harassment Allegations Hits Hibiscus Pageant

Sexual harassment allegations have emerged from the recent Miss Hibiscus Festical 2024, involving a contestant who reported "feeling uncomfortable" during a public event in Suva.

Allegations of gropping have surfaced, adding to concerns raised weeks earlier when police started investigating sexual assault claims tied to Miss Universe Fiji 2024.

The Hibiscus Festival commit­tee has downplayed the alleged incident, labelling it a "jab" to a contestant's back.

However, reports suggest the suspect was intoxicated and was later escorted from the venue.

Police investigation

The contestant, who was at the centre of the allegation, revealed she felt shaken and embarrassed at the time, choosing not to lodge a police report.

She feared being perceived as “sour grapes” as the incident occurred during the crowning night.

Another individual who reported the harassment alleged the perpetrator touched her inappropriately.

“A man, I didn’t know, touched me from behind, which made me feel uncomfortable,” the contestant said.

“He was drunk and took advantage of me that night.”

After the alleged incident, the contestant asked her patrons to leave the VIP tent because she felt unsafe, packed her belongings, left the hotel where she was staying and returned home the same night.

2010 Miss Hibiscus Queen, Sera Tikotikoivatu-Sefeti, condemned the harassment, saying such behaviour was unacceptable.

Committee response

Committee chairperson, Opetaia Ravai, admitted he was informed of the incident but did not witness it himself.

Opetaia Ravai.

He said: “I was told the suspect jabbed the contestant’s back, and there was no indication it was sexual in nature.”

Mr Ravai later escorted the suspect from the premises.

Text messages shown to Fiji Sun revealed the suspect had apologised to the contestant involved.

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