Indian-American Nina Davuluri crowned Miss America, immediately faces criticism

Nina Davuluri was crowned Miss America last night, making her the second consecutive Miss New York to earn the national crown. However, it’s unlikely that Nina and previous Miss New York/Miss America Mallory Hagan are swapping stories: Nina was allegedly caught on tape calling Mallory “fat as s**t.”

Midway through the competition last week, the story broke that Nina was allegedly recorded making jabs at Mallory’s weight after the Miss New York crowning in July. (They are pictured together above at that competition.) The audio was taken by a fellow beauty pageant competitor through a hotel room wall, so it’s unclear whether Nina is the speaker. Nina has since denied involvement.

The New York Post reported Nina sent a private message to Mallory afterward that said, “I want to apologize for the awful statements made by people in my room . . . There were people who claimed to be my supporters and said things I never agreed with, nor supported . . . I was never a part of the words or statements that may have been hurtful . . . I’m sorry if someone said something that was inappropriate.”

The comments were supposedly investigated by the Miss America Pageant officials — and, if Nina’s win is any indication, they were seemingly discredited. (Ironic side note: Nina lost more than 50 pounds within the past two years.)

Even if Nina didn’t have anything to do with the comments against Mallory, she was quickly swept up in a new controversy after earning the crown. As the first Indian-American contestant to win Miss America, Nina was immediately criticized by ignorant social media users.

“And the Arab wins Miss America. Classic,” wrote one person on Twitter.

Another person added, “Congratulations Al-Qaeda. Our Miss America is one of you.”

Aside from the fact that those people were entirely misguided (Nina is Indian, not Arabic and she’s definitely not associated with the terrorist group), the comments reveal a persistent problem with stereotypes and prejudices in the United States.

Thankfully, Nina has the poise and platform to address the comments.

“I’m so happy this organization has embraced diversity,” she said in her first press conference. “I’m thankful there are children watching at home who can finally relate to a new Miss America.”