Probe launched after Linden businessman allegedly sexually assaults delegates

By Utamu Bell

An investigation has reportedly been launched into allegations of sexual misconduct involving a popular Linden businessman and 3 delegates of the Miss Linden Town Week (LTW) 2018 pageant.
It is alleged that the delegates were taken to the home of the businessman who was a potential sponsor, and were there reportedly given alcoholic beverages; and at least one of them was coerced to perform a sexual act while the others requested to leave.
At least 2 Linden councillors and a young woman attached to the pageant have been implicated in the allegations.
It is also alleged that one of the alleged victims, who managed to escape from the home of the businessman after refusing to perform the act, was given hush money to settle the case after a report was made.
The Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC), responsible for this year’s LTW event, is expected to issue a statement in relation to the allegations.
Meanwhile, pageant coordinator Crystal Lam, in a statement, noted that the issue of a few of the Miss Linden 2018 delegates being taken to the home of a potential sponsor was a breach of protocol.
“The governing bodies (myself and the Mayor and Town Council) had no knowledge of this visit, and did not, and would never, give consent to such a proposal. What transpired that evening is unfortunate and does not represent CLD’s philosophy. Upon learning of this tragic incident, a report was made to a Government official and the issue has (been), and still is being, investigated.
“I became involved in the organisation of this event amidst my already crowded schedule because I saw it as a way to build, mould and empower young women. The vision was to get young women who would be ambassadors for their community, their country, and push them. I have met all kinds of challenges and unexpected roadblocks in the pursuit to this end. However, above all, I have met a group of young women I am extremely proud of — young women who are passionate about making a positive difference; young women who refuse to sell their pride and dignity for financial gains.
“Rest assured that whether there is a Miss Linden 2018 Pageant or not, you have not heard the last of these queens. We intend to be the voices for the voiceless. Being a queen should never come at the price of selling yourself. This is not a true representation of pagentry”, Crystal Lam noted.