Miss USA has apologised for mocking Cambodian and Vietnamese rivals’ English-speaking skills.
Miss USA Sarah Rose Summers became embroiled in a bullying row after appearing in a video alongside Miss Australia Francesca Hung and Miss Colombia Valeria Morales.
The three filmed themselves laughing as Summers mocks Miss Cambodia Nat Rern and Miss Vietnam H’Hen Nie.
Speaking about Nie, Summers said: “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 …”
She then mimics a confused nod and smile.
Then speaking about Rern, Summers added: "Miss Cambodia is here and doesn’t speak any English and not a single other person speaks her language."
Morales chimes in adding: "Yes."
Summer added: "Could you imagine? Like Francesca said, that would be so isolating and I said yes, and I mean, just so confusing all the time."
She then says to Morales: "You do speak great English," but points out that other competitors in the competition speak Spanish so she can still communicate with them.
After facing a huge backlash Summers apologised for her comments on Instagram.
She wrote: "Miss Universe 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.
"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 apologise.
"My life, friendships, and career revolve around me being a compassionate and empathetic woman.
"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.
The competition is currently underway in Bangkok, Thailand with the winner due to be announced on December 17.
Contestants from 94 countries are competing for the title, but the three have already caused controversy.
After the video went viral this week some people suggested that the trio should not be allowed to compete and have even contacted the competition organisers.
"@MissUniverse i wonder if you will still allow Miss USA, Columbia, and Australia to continue in the competition after their racist/ bigoted remarks toward fellow contestant Miss Cambodia.
"I can’t believe these ladies will be representing their countries," one man wrote on Twitter.
Troy Barbagallo, director of Pink Tank Events, which runs the Miss Universe Australia Pageant, told Nine.com that Francesa, who is half-Chinese, is "far from a bully".
"She is publicly against [bullying], she grew up in Australia as half-Chinese, achieved great things and has since been using her new role as an advocate for acceptance of cultural diversity.
"Regarding the incident, we have spoken the girls involved and MUO management.
"The bullying accusations are unfounded and almost bullying against the accused."
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