LOS ANGELES (December 21, 2006) — Miss USA may have kept her crown, but the fallout over her confessed underage drinking has snared a fellow beauty contestant.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving said Wednesday it was severing ties with Miss Teen USA Katie Blair because it was “disappointed” by news reports that she had been spotted partying with Miss USA Tara Conner in New York clubs.
“We do not feel, at this time, that Ms. Blair can be an effective spokesperson on underage drinking and will not ask her to represent MADD in future initiatives,” said Heidi Castle, a spokeswoman for MADD, in a statement.
A message left for a representative of Blair, an 18-year-old from Billings, Mont., wasn’t returned Wednesday.
Donald Trump owner of the Miss Universe Organization, which includes Miss Teen USA and Miss USA said Tuesday at a news conference in New York that he would allow Conner to keep her title if she settled down and entered alcohol rehab.
She had tearfully admitted drinking as a minor at New York nightclubs. She turned 21 on Monday.
Miss Universe Organization spokeswoman Lark-Marie Anton said Blair’s crown also was safe. Anton said the organization respected “MADD’s decision as much as we respect their work. We look forward to working with them in the future.”
The hubbub also seems to have poisoned relations between two celebrities Rosie O’Donnell and Trump.
O’Donnell, co-host of ABC’s “The View,” said on Wednesday’s show that Trump’s news conference with Conner had annoyed her “on a multitude of levels.”
“Left the first wife, had an affair, left the second wife, had an affair. Had kids both times, but he’s the moral compass for 20-year-olds in America,” the comedian and actress said to roars of audience laughter. “Donald, sit and spin, my friend.”
Trump lashed back at O’Donnell on the entertainment show, “The Insider,” criticizing everything from her looks to her former television talk show and magazine.
“Rosie attacks me personally? I know her fairly well because her show failed. She didn’t retire. She didn’t get the ratings! Her magazine called Rosie was a total disaster,” he said.
“She’s out of her mind. I will probably sue Rosie for a number of reasons. I’m worth a lot of money. She’s doesn’t tell the facts,” added.
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