Miss France Competition Rocked by Sexual Harassment Allegations
A new book and emerging testimonies are shedding light on a pattern of alleged sexual harassment within the prestigious Miss France competition, raising serious questions about the safety and well-being of contestants. The allegations, first surfacing in June, center around inappropriate behavior by a photographer associated with the pageant.
A forthcoming book, Miss France, from Dream to Reality, set to be released on Monday, September 8, authored by Hubert Guérin – a former close collaborator of the iconic Geneviève de Fontenay – details numerous accounts of misconduct. While the claims have not yet been formally investigated by legal authorities, the volume of testimonies is prompting widespread concern.
Contestant Details Disturbing Interactions
Ludivine Langlois, who represented Miss Nièvre in 2016 and competed for the title of Miss Burgundy, has come forward with a detailed account of the harassment she experienced at age 19 while still a student. Langlois alleges she received “sexual messages” from a photographer working with the Miss France committee.
According to Langlois, the individual in question engaged in a pattern of predatory behavior, “prowling” around candidates. She shared examples of the messages, which she says she has retained as evidence, stating he would ask about her virginity and make objectifying comments about her appearance, telling her she was “sexy” and had “beautiful legs.” She described the messages as “completely inappropriate and annoying,” and responded by asserting she had a boyfriend. At the time, however, Langlois admits she did not fully grasp the gravity of the situation.
Today, Langlois believes this photographer targeted multiple contestants, but fears prevented them from reporting the incidents. She asserts that the misconduct was an “open secret” within the competition, with candidates fearing they would “lose their place” if they spoke out. “It is time today to release the word on this subject and it is also time to point the finger at the fact that there is not enough control in this competition,” Langlois stated.
Miss France Organization Responds
Frédéric Gilbert, the President of Miss France, issued a statement acknowledging the allegations. In a press release, Gilbert stated, “We cannot judge the veracity of these allegations… Nevertheless, if they were proven, these facts would touch on subjects that concern us all deeply: security, dignity and respect for each woman.”
The response, while acknowledging the seriousness of the potential claims, stops short of committing to a specific investigation or outlining preventative measures. The unfolding situation underscores a growing demand for greater oversight and accountability within the world of beauty pageants, and a renewed focus on protecting the rights and safety of young women involved in these competitions.
