Sexual harassment allegations have surfaced from the recent Miss Hibiscus Festival 2024, involving a contestant who expressed feeling uncomfortable during a public event in Suva. The allegations include claims of groping, which add to concerns that arose weeks earlier when police began investigating sexual assault allegations related to Miss Universe Fiji 2024.
The Hibiscus Festival committee has attempted to minimize the reported incident, characterizing it as a mere “jab” to a contestant’s back. However, witnesses indicate that the alleged perpetrator was intoxicated and subsequently removed from the venue.
The contestant at the center of the allegations shared that she felt shaken and embarrassed but opted not to file a police report, fearing she would be viewed as “sour grapes” since the incident took place on crowning night. Another individual has accused the perpetrator of inappropriate touching. “A man I didn’t know touched me from behind, which made me feel uncomfortable,” said the contestant. “He was drunk and took advantage of me that night.” Following the incident, she requested her companions to vacate the VIP tent because she felt unsafe, gathered her belongings, and left her hotel to return home that same night.
Sera Tikotikoivatu-Sefeti, the 2010 Miss Hibiscus Queen, denounced the harassment, stating that such behavior is unacceptable.
Committee chairperson Opetaia Ravai acknowledged that he was made aware of the incident but did not personally witness it. He remarked, “I was told the suspect jabbed the contestant’s back, and there was no indication it was sexual in nature.” Mr. Ravai later ensured the suspect was escorted from the premises. Text messages revealed that the suspect had since apologized to the contestant involved.