Anti-gay rights model in topless photo scandal
The Miss USA contestant at the centre of a gay marriage controversy could be stripped of her Miss California crown over a topless photo.
Conservative Carrie Prejean hit the headlines last month when she spoke out against same sex marriage onstage at the Miss USA pageant, but now there is another fuss brewing over a photo leaked online.
The picture, which shows a topless Carrie Prejean posing provocatively, appeared on website TheDirty.com at the beginning of the week.
Prejean has since claimed she was a minor when the shot was taken - therefore preventing legitimate news sites from publishing the candid picture. However, US news show 'Access Hollywood' has since suggested the beauty queen may have been 18 when she posed.
Shocked officials at the Miss California USA organisation have suggested the candid snap was taken after Prejean underwent a breast augmentation procedure, which they paid for.
Prejean’s spokesperson has revealed the photo was shot by a friend or family member to be used in a portfolio.
The beauty queen added: "I am a Christian, and I am a model. Models pose for pictures including lingerie and swimwear photos."
However, according to a clause in her Miss California USA contract - obtained by the news show - Prejean is barred from being "photographed in a state of partial or total nudity".
The contract, which Prejean signed, also states: "Appearing in public or permitting myself to be photographed in a state of partial or total nudity or in a lewd, compromising or sexually suggestive manner constitutes a violation of this provision (this includes photographs of images that may appear on any website...)."
A decision about her future as Miss California is expected to be announced within the next few days.
