Miss USA slammed for comments about two Miss Universe contestants
Miss USA Sarah Rose Summers is getting slammed for her comments about two Miss Universe contestants who are both Asian.
Miss USA is hearing it on social media about remarks she made regarding two Miss Universe pageant contestants on the Instagram account of another pageant queen.
Sarah Rose Summers is getting slammed for comments caught on video about Miss Vietnam, H'Hen Nie, and Miss Cambodia, Sinat Rern, not understanding English.
In a video captured by Miss Colombia Valeria Morales, Summers, 24, asks, and then answers, "What do you think of Miss Vietnam Nie?"
Miss Vietnam H'Hen Nie
"She's so cute and she pretends to know so much English, and then you ask her a question after having a whole conversation with her and she goes [smiles and nods]," Summers said, chuckling. She added, "She's adorable."
Summers repeated her impression of Nie upon Morales' request.
Later in the video, Summers expressed sympathy for Rern not knowing English.
"Miss Cambodia is here and doesn't speak any English and not a single other person speaks her language. Can you imagine? [Miss Australia] Francesca [Hung] said 'that would be so isolating,' and I said, 'Yes, and just confusing all the time.' Poor Cambodia."
Miss Cambodia Sinat Rern
Some on social media, however, did not agree with mom, and were quick to offer furious reactions to Summers' behavior.
Others were upset not just at Summers' words and actions, but also at how she portrayed America on the global stage.
Reps for Miss Universe declined Fox News' request for comment, but Summers spoke out after the backlash in a contrite statement on Instagram — accompanied by a photo of herself, Rern and Nie in a group hug with some other contestants.
"@MissUniverse is an opportunity for women from around the world to learn about each other's cultures, life experiences, and views. We all come from different backgrounds and can grow alongside one another," she wrote.
"In a moment where I intended to admire the courage of a few of my sisters, I said something that I now realize can be perceived as not respectful, and I apologize. My life, friendships, and career revolve around me being a compassionate and empathetic woman," she continued. "I would never intend to hurt another. I am grateful for opportunities to speak with Nat, Miss Cambodia, and H'Hen, Miss Vietnam, directly about this experience. These are the moments that matter most to me."
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