MANILA, Philippines — Miss USA Sarah Rose Summers has apologized after a video of her with other Miss Universe 2018 hopefuls allegedly mocking non-English contestants made rounds on social media.
In an Instagram post on Thursday, Summers shared a snapshot of her hugging Miss Universe Cambodia Rern Sinat.
Miss Universe Colombia Valeria Morales, Miss Australia Miss Universe Francesca Hung and Miss Vietnam H’Hen Nie were also seen in the photo.
“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,” Summers wrote.
She added: “My life, friendships, and career revolve around me being a compassionate and empathetic woman. I would never intend to hurt another.”
Miss USA also expressed thanks for the opportunity to speak with Miss Cambodia and Miss Vietnam about what happened.
“These are the moments that matter most to me,” she said.
Summers, alongside Morales and Hung were in hot water after a video of them commenting on fellow Miss U candidates’ inability to speak English went viral.
In the video, Summers said of Miss Vietnam, “She thinks she knows so much English and then you ask her a question, after having a whole conversation with her, and she goes…”
She went on to another candidate, this time noting Miss Cambodia’s inability to speak English, saying “not a single other person speaks her language.”
The Miss Universe pageant’s coronation night is set to happen on December 17 in Bangkok, Thailand. /muf
Related stories:
Miss Universe hopefuls slammed for mocking non-English speaking contestants
Miss Cambodia ‘hurt’ over Miss USA remarks at Miss Universe