Miss France in the spotlight: Former contestants speak out about harassment and assault

A new book by former Miss France deputy president Hubert Guérin has sparked controversy in France, alleging that several pageant winners experienced sexual assault and rape after their victories.

Guérin, who worked on the project since 2020 with the consent of the late longtime Miss France president Geneviève de Fontenay, included testimonies from “around ten” former Miss France winners. According to The Times, one winner said: “I was raped just hours after becoming Miss France — I was pushed onto a bed, insulted, and had my dress torn off.”

The book describes a range of abuses, from unwanted touching to rape, including forced oral assault and inappropriate behavior during group photos. In total, Guérin reports that about 60 former contestants and regional officials provided statements for the book.

None of the former winners reportedly took legal action, which the author attributes to the “omertà” — a code of silence — and pressure from organizers. Guérin accused “members of the Miss France organization,” including some “senior officials still working today.”

However, some former contestants have denied the claims. Camille Cerf, Miss France 2015, said she never spoke with the author and described the quotes attributed to her as “false and completely fabricated.” Former Miss France 2002, Sylvie Tellier, also stated that she was unaware of any such incidents and that, if they had occurred, she would have encouraged reporting to the authorities.

Nevertheless, the book has reignited discussions about sexual harassment in the beauty and pageant industries. Ludivine Langlois, Miss Nièvre 2016, told Le Parisien that she was also subjected to sexual harassment at another competition: a volunteer “with authority in the contest” sent her inappropriate messages.

In an official statement, the Miss France organization said it “takes note of reports of sexual assault and harassment allegedly occurring between 1990 and 2002” and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety, dignity, and respect of every woman.