by Rani Sun (ranisun09@gmail.com)
Are beauty pageants truly glittering stages where smart, witty, and attractive women are discovered and celebrated? Or could they be a glamorous smokescreen for dubious money-making schemes?
After hearing a former beauty queen bare her soul about an unsettling ordeal she faced, I felt compelled to share her cautionary tale. Her story comes with a heartfelt sincerity that rings true, and honestly, I might have fallen into a similar trap myself.
Before we dive in, let me clarify — not all beauty pageant organisers are shady. Many genuinely work hard to nurture talent, whether at the local, state, or national level. Yet, the revelations from this ex-beauty queen should raise some red flags for young women who may be drawn to these contests for the thrill, fun, or potential opportunities. Here’s what you need to know.
Exorbitant Fees That Will Make Your Jaw Drop
Let’s start with the most glaring warning sign—sky-high fees. Many pageants require hefty entry fees, and that’s just the beginning. Add on training, costumes, makeup, and other services, and you’re looking at costs that can spiral into the thousands. It’s not unheard of for participants and their families to fall into debt just to participate.
I’ve had my own brush with this. Sure, I was fine managing my makeup and wardrobe while the organizer promised to cover other expenses. But then came the bombshell—I had to buy two tables for the event at RM5,000 each. An additional RM10,000, just like that.
When I questioned why this wasn’t disclosed earlier, the casual response was that it was standard practice in beauty pageants. Imagine my shock! And let’s not forget the extra categories like “Best Dressed” or “Best Personality,” which come with — you guessed it — additional fees.
The Gullibility Trap
Some organisers exploit women’s dreams of fame and success, tapping into their vulnerabilities. They dangle promises of scholarships, modelling contracts, or global stardom — promises that are often exaggerated or completely hollow.
To their credit, not all pageants feed into harmful stereotypes. For example, one recent contest embraced diversity, inviting women of all shapes and sizes to participate. This progressive step helps promote individuality and self-acceptance, and kudos to them for breaking the mould. But sadly, such noble efforts are the exception, not the rule.
Ms T’s Tale: From Stardom to Sorrow
Then there’s Ms T, whose story is both heartbreaking and eye-opening. A beauty in her own right, Ms T was hesitant when a pageant director of the “all shapes and sizes” contest reached out to her on social media. But after persuasive promises of prestigious global affiliations, she decided to take the plunge.
Like many hopefuls, Ms T went all in — pouring time, money, and effort into preparations. Even the hefty costs and backstage gossip didn’t deter her. But everything unravelled when she crossed paths with the pageant’s founder, a charming smooth-talker.
Their seemingly innocent acquaintance took a dark turn. Ms T, trusting him, lent him money in good faith. What followed was a nightmare — he became hostile when she sought repayment and even defamed her, falsely claiming she won the crown through an intimate relationship with him. Betrayed and humiliated, Ms T decided enough was enough.
Her brave decision to expose the hypocrisy led her to contact former contestants, many of whom shared their own harrowing stories. Yet, when she called for further collective action, fear held them back. The fear of public shame silenced them, leaving Ms T to fight alone. Her tale is a stark reminder of how fragile trust and loyalty can be, even among so-called “sisters” of the pageant world.
Before You Dive In…
While beauty pageants can boost confidence and create lasting memories, they also come with risks of manipulation and emotional turmoil. The hidden fees, ambiguous terms, and psychological games can turn dreams into distress.
So, remember this: when in doubt, stay out. Do your homework. Research the organisers and their track records. Ask questions, and don’t let anyone pressure you into decisions. Most importantly, don’t fall for the gaslighting tactics of manipulative individuals who twist this celebration of beauty and individuality into a profit-driven farce.
Let’s bring back the glory of the crown — one that truly honours talent, confidence, and authenticity.
WE