Allegations of sexual harassment have arisen from the recent Miss Hibiscus Festival 2024, where a contestant expressed feeling “uncomfortable” during a public event in Suva. Reports include allegations of groping, which follow previous concerns that prompted police investigations into sexual assault claims related to Miss Universe Fiji 2024.
The Hibiscus Festival committee has downplayed the reported incident, referring to it as merely a “jab” to the contestant’s back. However, it has been reported that the individual accused of the inappropriate behavior was intoxicated and subsequently removed from the event by officials.
The contestant at the center of the allegations said she felt shaken and embarrassed but chose not to file a police report, fearing she would be viewed as having “sour grapes,” particularly since the incident occurred during the crowning night. Another individual also reported being inappropriately touched by the same person, describing the incident, “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 area due to her feeling unsafe, then she packed her belongings and left her hotel to return home that same night.
Sera Tikotikoivatu-Sefeti, the 2010 Miss Hibiscus Queen, condemned the actions as unacceptable.
Committee chairperson Opetaia Ravai acknowledged that he was made aware of the incident but 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,” and he later took action to escort the suspect from the venue. Additionally, text messages shared with Fiji Sun indicated that the accused had apologized to the affected contestant.