Sexual harassment allegations have arisen during the recent Miss Hibiscus Festival 2024, where a contestant expressed feeling “uncomfortable” at a public event in Suva. This incident coincides with earlier concerns regarding ongoing police investigations into sexual assault claims related to Miss Universe Fiji 2024.
The Hibiscus Festival committee has minimized the alleged incident, characterizing it as a mere “jab” to a contestant’s back. However, reports indicate the accused individual was under the influence of alcohol and was subsequently removed from the venue.
The contestant at the center of the allegation reported feeling shaken and embarrassed, ultimately deciding against filing a police report due to concerns over being viewed as “sour grapes,” particularly since the incident took place on the night of the crowning.
Another individual who experienced harassment claimed that the perpetrator touched her inappropriately, stating, “A man, I didn’t know, touched me from behind, which made me feel uncomfortable. He was drunk and took advantage of me that night.” Following the incident, the contestant requested her companions to leave the VIP tent, feeling unsafe, gathered her belongings, and returned home that night.
Sera Tikotikoivatu-Sefeti, the 2010 Miss Hibiscus Queen, condemned the harassment, asserting that such behavior is unacceptable.
Committee chairperson Opetaia Ravai acknowledged he had been made aware of the incident, although he did not witness it personally. He mentioned that he was informed the suspect merely jabbed the contestant’s back and that there was no evidence to suggest it was sexually motivated. Mr. Ravai later removed the suspect from the event. Text messages made available to Fiji Sun indicate that the suspect later apologized to the involved contestant.