Allegations of sexual harassment have emerged from the recent Miss Hibiscus Festival 2024, following a contestant’s claim that she felt “uncomfortable” during a public event in Suva. Reports of inappropriate touching have surfaced, raising concerns initially sparked weeks prior when police began investigating sexual assault allegations connected to Miss Universe Fiji 2024.
The Hibiscus Festival committee has minimized the incident, characterizing it as merely a “jab” to a contestant’s back. However, eyewitness accounts suggest that the individual involved was intoxicated and was subsequently removed from the venue.
The contestant at the center of the allegations expressed feeling shaken and embarrassed but opted not to file a police report, fearing the stigma of being labeled as having “sour grapes” given the incident occurred on crowning night. Another contestant described a similar experience, 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 patrons leave the VIP tent due to feelings of insecurity, packed her belongings, and returned home from her hotel that same night. Sera Tikotikoivatu-Sefeti, the 2010 Miss Hibiscus Queen, condemned the acts of harassment, calling such behavior unacceptable.
Committee chairperson Opetaia Ravai acknowledged being informed about the incident but noted that he did not witness it firsthand. He stated, “I was told the suspect jabbed the contestant’s back, and there was no indication it was sexual in nature.” Ravai later escorted the suspect from the venue. Text messages reviewed by media outlets revealed that the suspect had apologized to the contestant involved.