Miss Grand International runner-up publicly criticizes titleholder

Safiétou Kabengele, the French contestant and third runner-up of the 2024 Miss Grand International pageant. Photo from Kabengele's Instagram

On Dec. 6, Kabengele posted on Instagram: "Rachel unfortunately disrespected me in front of the MGI team and the girls."

"I won’t fake a relationship with someone who hurt me, and with whom I have no bond," she continued. "I stay authentic."

Although the details of the incident remain unclear, many netizens noticed the cold behavior between the two during activities involving the top 10 finalists at the 2024 MGI pageant. Additionally, their interactions, both offline and on social media, were minimal.

Miss Grand International 2024 Rachel Gupta. Photo from Miss Grand International Instagram

Kabengele’s bluntness surprised many, though some supported her sincerity, believing that, since she did not sign a binding contract with the pageant organizers, she had the right to voice her personal feelings and opinions.

In contrast, when asked about her relationship with Myanmar’s representative Thae Su Nyein, Kabengele revealed that they remain in contact and that she holds affection for her.

The Myanmar beauty queen quickly shared Kabengele’s post on her social media, expressing that she also missed the French beauty queen in the caption.

Kabengele, 26, is of French and Senegalese descent. She was crowned Miss Grand France this year and later represented her country at the 2024 MGI contest.

Founded in 2013 by Thai TV host and producer Nawat Itsaragrisil, MGI primarily focuses on humanitarian initiatives, with winners advocating for charitable causes throughout their tenure. Contestants are selected through national competitions, internal casting, or direct appointment by franchise holders from various countries or regions.