Miss USA Tara Conner, who had come under criticism amid rumors she had been frequenting bars while underage, will be allowed to keep her title, the Miss Universe Organization announced Tuesday. The organization is owned by Donald Trump and NBC. "I’ve always been a believer in second chances," Trump said at a news conference. He and Conner met earlier Tuesday morning. Conner, who hails from Kentucky, won the title in April and has been living in New York. Recent media accounts of heavy drinking brought a storm of criticism, since she was underage at the time. She turned 21 on Monday. If Conner had been dethroned, her title would have been taken over by first runner-up Miss California Tamiko Nash.
AP (story) and Miss USA (photo)
Who saw that coming? I think he did the right thing. Now her platform will be all about anti-alcohol and drugs and rehab. Much more interesting than World Peace. Plus she has helped to create interest in Miss USA again because seriously who knew she was Miss USA before this whole thing happened?