Miss USA sparked a heated backlash online after video surfaced of her alleged condescension toward non-English speaking contestants at the Miss Universe competition. The girls she was allegedly mocking, however, did not see it that way.
According to CNN, a live Instagram video posted on Wednesday showed 24-year-old Sarah Rose Summers talking about Miss Vietnam, H’Hen Nie, and her difficulty with English.
“[She is] so cute and she pretends to know so much English and then you ask her a question after having a whole conversation with her and she (nods and smiles),” said Summers in the video.
Later in the video, Summers talks about Miss Cambodia, Rern Sinat, and how she “doesn’t speak any English and not a single other person speaks her language.”
“Can you imagine? Francesca (Miss Australia) said that would be so isolating and I said yes and just confusing all the time,” Summers said. “Poor Cambodia.”
Online, Summers was denounced as being “xenophobic” and “condescending” toward non-English speaking contestants. In an Instagram post on Friday, Summers said she never intended to mock the two contestants and apologized.
“Miss Universe is an opportunity for women from around the world to learn about each other’s cultures, life experiences, and views,” Summers began.
“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 said, alongside a photo of her embracing her fellow contestants.
“My life, friendships, and career revolve around me being a compassionate and empathetic woman. I would never intend to hurt another,” she added. “I am grateful for opportunities to speak with Nat, Miss Cambodia, and H’Hen, Miss Vietnam, directly about this experience. These are the moments that matter most to me.”
Apparently, Miss Vietnam had no ill will toward Summers for the comment and told CNN on Friday that Summers “didn’t mean anything” by it. She also commended Summers for being supportive and helpful to her.
“Everyone in this competition, myself included, loves and respects one another,” she said. “When she knew about my difficulties with (the English) language, she took an interest and showed me love. That’s why she knows about that. Thank you Miss USA for taking care of me, showing me love and helping me recently,” H’Hen Nie said.
Miss Cambodia echoed Miss Vietnam’s sentiments in a similar Instagram post online that featured a photo of herself and Summers with the caption, “I speak the language of love, respect and understanding.”
“My friendship and sisterhood in Miss Universe will forever be kept in my heart,” she said. “Our experience have given us the opportunity to show and learn different cultures.”
Sarah Rose Summers was crowned Miss Nebraska before being crowned Miss USA in 2018, becoming the first woman from the state to earn the crown title. During the competition, she was asked what she would write on a blank sign if she were given one on her way to the march. Her response was rather insightful.
“I say ‘Speak your voice’. I don’t know what march we’re on our way to in this hypothetical situation, but no matter where you’re going, whatever type of march it is, you’re obviously on your way to that march because you care about that cause so go speak to people,” she said. “When they have questions, communicate with them. Listen to their views also. That is one thing in the United States that we really need to focus on is listening to each other.”