Sexual harassment allegations have emerged from the Miss Hibiscus Festival 2024, with a contestant expressing that she felt “uncomfortable” during a public event in Suva. The allegations of groping have raised concerns, particularly following an investigation by police into sexual assault claims connected 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. Nonetheless, reports indicate that the alleged assailant was intoxicated and was subsequently removed from the venue.
The contestant at the center of the allegations stated that she felt shaken and embarrassed but opted not to file a police report. She was concerned about being judged as having “sour grapes” since the incident occurred during the crowning night. Another individual who reported experiencing harassment claimed that the perpetrator inappropriately touched her.
“A man I didn’t know touched me from behind, which made me feel uncomfortable,” the contestant recounted. “He was drunk and took advantage of me that night.” Following the incident, she requested her companions to leave the VIP tent due to safety concerns, gathered her belongings, and left her hotel, returning home that same night.
Sera Tikotikoivatu-Sefeti, the 2010 Miss Hibiscus Queen, condemned the harassment, asserting that such behavior is intolerable.
Opetaia Ravai, the committee chairperson, acknowledged that he was made aware of the incident but did not witness it firsthand. He commented that he was informed the suspect had jabbed the contestant’s back and indicated there was no sexual intent behind the action. Ravai ultimately escorted the suspect off the premises. Text messages reviewed by Fiji Sun showed that the suspect had issued an apology to the contestant involved.