Miss England Milla Magee withdraws from Miss World 2025 in Hyderabad, citing exploitation
Hyderabad: Reigning Miss England Milla Magee, 24, has withdrawn from the ongoing Miss World 2025 pageant in Hyderabad, initially citing "personal reasons." However, in an exclusive interview with The Sun, Magee revealed deeper concerns about her treatment and the outdated nature of the competition.
Magee, the first Miss England to quit the pageant in its 74-year history, described feeling exploited and morally conflicted. She said she was expected to entertain wealthy male sponsors as a “thank you” for their financial support, likening the experience to being “farmed out for entertainment” and feeling “like a prostitute.” Contestants were required to wear makeup 24/7 and formal gowns throughout the day, and Magee said pressure to conform to traditional beauty standards was intense.
She expressed frustration that her efforts to promote causes such as CPR awareness were ignored, and that some contestants were reprimanded for being “boring.” Magee described instances of disrespect from pageant officials and said the event felt “stuck in the past,” focusing mainly on appearance rather than meaningful purpose.
After reaching out to her family about feeling exploited, Magee decided to leave the competition on May 16 and returned home to Cornwall. Her spot in the final will be taken by runner-up Charlotte Grant, 25, Miss Liverpool.
Angie Beasley, director of Miss England, confirmed Magee’s departure with The Sun, saying, “We regret to announce that Milla Magee has returned home to the UK due to personal reasons. We stand fully by her decision and health must always come first.”
As of now, the Miss World organisation has not issued a formal statement responding to Magee’s departure or the allegations she raised.
Meanwhile, Telangana State Government officials on May 22, 2025, welcomed Charlotte, the new Miss England representative, as part of the ongoing Miss World 2025 events. Magee’s departure raises questions about the pageant’s core values during an event intended to celebrate culture, diversity, and womanhood worldwide.
