Entertainment
Miss USA issues apology over viral video allegedly mocking other Miss U hopefuls’ English
After receiving backlash, Miss USA Sarah Rose Summers issued an apology over her viral video supposedly mocking other Miss Universe candidates’ ability to speak English language.
The video that recently surfaced on social media showed Sarah commenting and imitating the way Miss Vietnam H’Hen Nie responds in an English conversation.
“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],” Miss USA said, laughing.
“She’s adorable,” she added.
But it seems that Sarah did not have enough so then turned her attention to another Miss Universe hopeful, Rern Sinat of Cambodia.
“Miss Cambodia is here and doesn’t speak any English and not a single other person speaks her language. Can you imagine?” she said.
She went on and said, “Poor Cambodia.”
Also in the video along with Miss USA were Miss Australia Francesca Hung and Miss Colombia Valeria Morales, who were seen laughing and agreeing with Sarah’s remarks.
But having no will to make this incident grow any bigger, Sarah on Thursday, December 13, apologized to both Miss Vietnam and Miss Cambodia via an Instagram post.
“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,” Sarah wrote, sharing a photo of her hugging Sinat and Francesca hugging H’ Hen.
“My life, friendships, and career revolve around me being a compassionate and empathetic woman. I would never intend to hurt another,” she added.
Sarah was also thankful that she was able to talk with the H’ Hen and Sinat regarding the issue, adding that those were “the moments that matter most to me.”
H’Hen and Francesca, on the other hand, also posted photos with those who are involved in the issue on their Instagram accounts.
Reigning Miss Universe Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters will be passing the crown to the next queen on December 17 in Bangkok, Thailand.