miss california fired

The website TMZ is reporting that Carrie Prejean, aka Miss California, the beauty queen who survived a scandal over semi-naked photos and her controversial stand on same-sex marriage, will be fired Wednesday afternoon.

Pageant officials said Wednesday that the 22-year-old model was fired because of continued breach of contract issues— specifically for lending her famous face to other organizations without getting clearance from her handlers.

Shanna Moakler, who was the director of the California pageant, resigned in protes

Prejeanpress Miss USA pageant owner Donald Trump was involved in the decision to fire Prejean, [spokesman Roger] Neal said. Runner-up Tami Farrell, who was Miss Malibu, will immediately assume the Miss California USA title, he said.

Said pageant Executive Director Keith Lewis: "This was a decision based solely on contract violations, including Ms. Prejean's unwillingness to make appearances on behalf of the Miss California USA organization. After our press conference in New York, we had hoped we would be able to forge a better working relationship. However, since that time, it has become abundantly clear that Carrie is unwilling to fulfill her obligations under our contract and work together."
Prejean made headlines last month after several topless photos from her young modeling days hit the web.

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Miss North Carolina USA crowned Miss USA 2009

Miss North Carolina USA Kristen Dalton has been crowned Miss USA 2009.

The 21-year-old aspiring motivational speaker from Wilmington edged out first runner-up Miss California USA Carrie Prejean, of San Diego, and second runner-up Miss Arizona USA Alicia-Monique Blanco, of Phoenix.

Contestants from all 50 states and the District of Columbia competed in the pageant, aired live on NBC. Contestants were judged by their performance in swimsuit and evening gown modeling contests and their responses to a question asked onstage; unlike the rival Miss America pageant, Miss USA contestants do not perform a talent.

The top 15 contestants worked the stage in white string bikinis designed by pop star Jessica Simpson's swimwear line. Rocker Kevin Rudolf performed his song "Let it Rock," followed by The Veronicas, who performed their single "Untouched" as the top 10 beauties showed off their choice of glittering evening gowns.

Dalton's title comes with a year's use of a New York apartment, a public relations team, a two-year scholarship at the New York Film Academy and an undisclosed salary.

She also will go to the Bahamas in August to compete in the Miss Universe pageant, where American beauties haven't been lucky in recent years. Both Miss USA 2008 Crystle Stewart and her predecessor, Rachel Smith, wiped out on stage during the evening gown competition, becoming accidental YouTube stars.

The Miss USA crown was designed by a jeweler that specializes in conflict-free and eco-friendly jewels. The crown from Diamond Nexus Labs of Franklin, Wis., is worth $202,000.


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Former Miss USA Arrested

Former Miss Maryland USA ArrestedA former Miss Maryland is facing drug charges.

According to police in Montgomery County Maryland Tia Shorts was arrested last week on various drug possession and distribution charges.

Shorts was crowned Miss Maryland USA in 2004 and later competed in the Miss USA pageant under that title.

Police say Shorts and her boyfriend were dealing drugs out of their apartment in Germantown, Maryland.

Miss Maryland USA organizers say they lost touch with Shorts after she ended her reign.

Ex Beauty Queen Busted for Intoxicating Qualities

The chick responsible for one of the hottest mugshots we've seen in a while is Miss New Mexico USA 2008 -- taken right after she was popped for driving drunk in Texas yesterday.

Raelene Aguilar was arrested at 3:48 AM by El Paso PD after they originally pulled her over for speeding. They gave her a a field sobriety test, which she failed. She was eventually booked into county jail at 6:00 AM and went before a judge a few hours later. Aguilar was eventually bonded out for $600.

TMZ spoke with the president of the Miss Universe Organization Paula Shugart, a bigwig at Miss USA, who says, "She has our deepest sympathies and we're hoping she can make it through this difficult time. She's a good person."

Aguilar's reign as Miss New Mexico USA came to a close at the end of 2008.

UPDATE -- Aguilar's attorney tells TMZ, "Ms. Aguilar does regret the incident, although she denies all allegations ... My client denies that she was speeding and denies failing any field sobriety test, as she did not submit to any such test. Finally, Raelene can state with confidence that she has the unwaivering support of the Miss New Mexico USA Organization."

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