Representatives for Endemol and Miss France did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. The organization's press release further accused Endemol of exploiting women 'who rehearse and perform each year' for a 'sexist, discriminating and lucrative show generating millions of euros in revenue: all in complete violation of labor law.' 'With our legal action, we have two objectives: to bring into light the sexism of this industry in public debate, but also to fight against the exploitation of women that is inherent to this business,' she continued. Beauty pageants degrade the image and the place of women in society, objectifying candidates to cater the male fantasy and gaze.' In an email to Insider, a spokeswoman for Osez Le Féminisme said: 'We have been vocally protesting against this backward and sexist contest for years. According to a press release issued by the organization on Tuesday, contestants in the pageant should be considered workers under French employment law because they undertake work as show participants and thus are entitled to protection against prejudice under the law.Īccording to The Times of London, the pageant winner is paid a salary and housed in an apartment in Paris, but most other contestants 'receive only expenses, travel and gifts.' Miss France is under fire for claims its selection criteria is discriminatory and breaks French labor laws, France24 reports.įeminist organization Osez le Féminisme (Dare to be Feminist) announced it joined forces with three unsuccessful applicants on Monday to seek legal action against Endemol Production, the company running the 101-year-old pageant.

Requirements include candidates being over 5 feet 5 inches, single, and 'representative of beauty.' They are seeking legal action against Endemol Production, the company running the pageant. Three unsuccessful contestants and a feminist group say Miss France is breaking French labor laws.

The 101-year-old pageant is set to take place again on December 11.

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