Former Miss USA contestant Brittany Mason says she was pressured into liposuction as a teenager despite being a size 2. The 40-year-old former Miss Indiana claims the procedure left her with scars and that she struggled to heal.
Speaking to a media outlet on Thursday, 12 November, Mason also said she felt 'groomed' by adults in the pageant world. She discussed her experiences in TLC's documentary Crown of Deceit: Inside the Miss Universe Scandal, but said she could not yet reveal further details.
The Surgery That Left Her With Scars
Mason said she was 5ft 10in and weighed 125lbs when she underwent the procedure. She recalled meeting the surgeon at a Miss Universe after-party and described the surgery as 'incredibly dangerous'.
'I still have scars from it,' she said, adding that she 'did not heal well'. She has not identified who allegedly pressured her into the operation or arranged it. She said the experience had a lasting physical impact, leaving her with visible reminders of the procedure years later.
Her Grooming Allegations
In the documentary, Mason says she felt 'groomed' by adults around her in the Miss USA world. She suggested that her experiences were part of a wider culture in which young contestants may have been vulnerable to those in positions of authority.
'I can't say more. I would love to. I'm hoping soon ... I'm working on getting total clearance on that', she told a news media outlet.
Mason did not identify those involved or explain the specific conduct behind her allegation. She also said other former contestants had been reluctant to speak, with some fearing for their safety or facing restrictions linked to non-disclosure agreements and legal issues.
Wider Miss Universe Controversies
The three-part TLC documentary examines allegations of misconduct and competition rigging within the pageant organisations. It includes sexual misconduct allegations involving former Miss USA vice-president Max Sebrechts and claims surrounding the 2025 Miss Universe competition. These remain allegations.
The series also revisits a leaked recording involving former Miss Universe co-owner Anne Jakrajutatip, who allegedly said contestants from diverse backgrounds could compete but 'they cannot win'. Mason called the reported remarks 'disgusting' and 'shameful'. Jakrajutatip disputed the recording's interpretation, saying it was taken out of context.
Jakrajutatip was sentenced to two years in prison in Thailand in December 2025 for fraud involving JKN Global Group. Separately, former Miss Universe co-owner Raúl Rocha has faced a Mexican investigation into alleged trafficking offences. He denies wrongdoing.
Her Plans for Change
Mason's 2025 attempt to buy Miss USA was unsuccessful, with Thom Brodeur securing ownership. She said her conversations with him had been positive. She is now developing an initiative aimed at challenging predatory contracts and improving mental health support for contestants.
'It really truly is going to come from the women and girls demanding better in all of these spaces', she said.
Crown of Deceit: Inside the Miss Universe Scandal premiered on TLC on Thursday, 12 November, with a media outlet reporting an HBO Max streaming date of Friday, 13 November. Mason hopes her experiences will help bring greater protection to contestants. However, she has yet to disclose the full details of her allegations, which have not been independently established.
