HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Shanna Moakler has had enough of the pageant world.
The 34-year-old model stepped down Wednesday as co-director of the Miss California USA organization. The announcement came one day after Donald Trump announced that Carrie Prejean would keep her Miss California title despite being the center of controversy thanks to topless photos taken as a teen and her views on same-sex marriage.
“Since the press conference yesterday, I had a chance to think about what has taken place, and I feel that at this time it is in my best interest to resign from the Miss California USA organization,” Moakler said in a statement.
Moakler, who was crowned Miss USA in 1995, had initially pledged to support Prejean after Tuesday’s announcement, but said she had a change of heart.
“I cannot with a clear conscious move forward supporting and promoting the Miss Universe Organization when I no longer believe in it, or the contracts I signed committing myself as a youth,” she said. “I want to be a role model for young women with high hopes of pageantry, but now feel it more important to be a role model for my children. I am sorry and hope I have not let any young supporters down but wish them the best of luck in fulfilling their dreams.”
Pageant officials have been outspoken about Prejean’s behavior since being thrust into the spotlight at last month’s Miss USA pageant. She has been accused of campaigning against same-sex marriage, but Trump said she deserved to hold onto her title.
“She gave a very honest answer when asked a tough question,” Trump said of Prejean’s response when asked about legalizing same-sex marriages at the Miss USA pageant. “It was the same answer the president of the United States gave… She has to be commended.”
Prejean has also come under fire after semi-nude photos of her recently surfaced. The pictures were taken while she was a teenager and Trump said they didn’t warrant the San Diego native losing her crown.
“We are in the 21st century,” he said. “We have determined that the pictures taken were fine.”
Trump is co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, which owns the Miss USA pageant.
