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MetroVanIndependent.com
June 2015
Lifestyle/entertainment
Controversial misadventures at Miss World Canada
By Kim Mendez
2015’s combined Mister and Miss
World Canada pageant proved to be more
controversial than 2013’s Miss World
Canada pageant, which included a top 5
voting mix-up and a co-host that was said
to be drinking during the show backstage.
At this year’s crowning gala, some
delegates walked out and refused to return
to the stage. One male delegate was booed
for refusing to accept his award only to be
cheered on later while he got in a tussle for
the microphone with a co-host.
For years there has been speculation
of the problems within MWC under the
management of CEO and Chairman Ike
Lalji.
Af ter the pageant, numerous
accusations were made against the Miss
World Canada Organization. Many upset
delegates claimed they were not treated
fairly. One delegate claims that contestants
with special dietary preferences had limited
to no options. Another delegate called the
pageant disorganized and unethical. There
were also allegations that pageant winners
were predetermined prior to the gala.
Initially, many girls were quick to share
their stories. Some delegates c onfided
they feared they could be charged by
MWC for speaking out. They claim that
they signed a contract not to say anything
bad about MWC.
Refusing to hide behind anonymity,
three delegates declared they want to
see Miss World Canada make a change
in management. 2015 MWC delegates
Maryam Nissan and Luan Wei were one
Photo by Diones Lago
Miss World Canada 2015 International Costume presentation.
of the first to reach out to MetroVan
Independent News and share their personal
experience.
Another delegate Ruby Chopra said,
“I’m standing up and speaking out because
I want to raise awareness about how this
pageant was organized. I do so in hopes
that future contestants won’t be mislead
by the Miss World Canada motto ‘Beauty
with a Purpose' like I feel I was.”
The Pageant Experience
Back in 2013 and 2014, there were a
number of volunteers and sponsors who
assisted with Miss World Canada. Last
year, according to a volunteer, there were
7 chaperones for the 42 delegates. This
year, we're told, the number dwindled
down to only 2 chaperones to liaise the 60
combined Mister and Miss World Canada
delegates.
Tour excursions are included in the
delegates' entry fee. "Never went on any,"
says Maryam. "The closest I got to a tour
was the bus ride to our sponsors which
happened to be downtown."
Life skills, coaching, training and
seminars were to be provided to the
delegates. Maryam Nissan says, “I was
told I'd have development training by
world-class trainers like Anthony Robbins.
Instead, we were given public YouTube links
on Anthony Robbins, Deepak Chopra and
Oprah via email.” She adds, “While some
videos were inspiring, I wasn't exactly
expecting a public YouTube link to a video
as my training.”
Transportation to the airport was to
be included within each delegate's entry
fee. However, on the final day, at least one
visiting delegate from out of town was
forced to make her own arrangements. She
had to pay for a taxi to the airport to catch
her flight on time.
“For me personally,” Maryam says, “I
never cared for winning from the beginning.
I just wanted to experience it and help
out others in the process. The thing I’m
annoyed about is that, I can’t even look
back and be happy with my experience as
a Miss World Canada delegate.”
The Gala
The show’s volunteer director revealed
that throughout the night, she was given
specific instructions from Ike Lalji and his
son, Sean Lalji. Dina Baychurina also gave
major instructions from Russia.
Jackie Diy tells us that she had minimal
support and resources on the night of the
gala at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. For
a large and prestigious event such as
Miss World Canada, she worked with a
production team of only 4 people, plus 2
runners, all of whom were also volunteers.
To make matters worse, she had a
difficult time communicating with some of
the crew she was provided because they
could not speak or understand English. Diy
said that in addition to directing the show,
she was also approached last minute for
issues with backstage security.
Where was Miss World Canada 2014
Annora Bourgeault?
There was no final speech, no final
walk, and no video that showed her journey
as Miss World Canada. She was nowhere
to be seen during the pageant week.
According to Bourgeault, Ike Lalji
made it clear that she was not welcome.
Bourgeault revealed, “At the beginning of
my reign as Miss World Canada, Ike was
positive. But as I began asking for support
(like finding sponsors or guidance before
representing Canada and competing
at Miss World), he quickly became
disrespectful and evasive, to myself and
my family.”
“He would use bullying language and
intimidation tactics (for example alluding to
forcible removal should I attempt to contact
the contestants in Vancouver during the
pageant week), or try to make me feel guilty
for asking for the support I was promised.”
Awards
One 2015 delegate Simran Kapoor took
to Facebook and stated that the awards
weren’t given to the rightful winners. The
rightful winners she claimed were Dharinee
B for raising the most money, Kira Quo
Vadis for Miss Congeniality, and Kapoor
herself, for People's Choice Award.
So, who were the rightful winners?
The Fundraising Award is given to
the delegate who raises the most funds
for Variety - The Children’s Charity. The
awarded winner of the Fundraising Award
was Betty Lu. “There was speculation that
Dharinee raised $29, 000,” Maryam said.
“But it seemed far-fetched to me. I checked
Variety myself to make sure. I was then told
that Betty raised the most at $10,000.”
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