Miss Virginia has been accused of going on a homophobic tirade against her roommate Derek Powell, but both she and the pageant say that the claim is unfounded and that there is no reason for that to be true.
If it is though, that sucks, Nikki Poteet.
If it isn’t true, then those trying to throw shade at her name are doing a pretty terrible thing too.
Here’s what Nikki said:
“It is unfortunate that, during my last days as Miss Virginia USA, individuals would make these accusations against me, as I currently, and will continue to, show respect and support for diversity throughout the Commonwealth. Those that know me will agree that these accusations are inconsistent with my character and the reputation that I have built thus far, not only as Miss Virginia USA, but as an educated, hard-working, independent woman.”
Here’s what the pageant had to say:
“We take those accusations seriously and have looked into this. Sadly, the claims are here say and unsubstantiated and therefore the article should never have been published. Nikki has been a terrific titleholder and has made many appearances across the state and beyond during her year of service. We have only received praise and good press from many people and organizations, as she has worked diligently as Miss Virginia USA 2011 and we will miss her greatly.”
We’re not positive how you can “look into this” in any way other than just asking Nikki, “Hey, so, um, did you say these things?”
Which could easily be answered with a “nope” and then where do you go with your investigation anyway?
Here’s the response from one of the witnesses, who somehow loses credibility by being one of the people attacked and because he’s a friend:
├óΓé¼┼ôI was there to witness her actions Saturday night and was one of the ones she actually put her hands on and called a ├óΓé¼╦£faggot.’ The text message in the article is from her cell phone number and she has yet to apologize for any wrong doing.├óΓé¼┬¥
The pageant’s response:
“I have heard Nikki’s side and I read your message. I imagine those that agree with you are your friends and it is a your group against Nikki and Aaron. So, since I was not present, I cannot make a judgment. I do not agree with slurs or violence and we of course take such accusations seriously. I am gay and I love Nikki and I firmly believe she is not homophobic. I am aware that she has not gotten along with her roommates for many months, so I question the motives of whoever sent the story to be published. It appears rather vindictive and serves no good purpose.
Um, it serves a good purpose if she did it — which you weren’t able to find definitively if she didn’t!
But, like we said, it IS totally possible that she didn’t. We’re not even leaning one way or the other. We just don’t agree with how the pageant is handling it. This — “I am gay and I love Nikki and I firmly believe she is not homophobic.” — is not being impartial regardless of who is right and who is wrong at this point, and as the institution it’s your duty not to choose sides based on personal opinion if something like this comes up! It’s a huge deal and a huge accusation!
They should just stick to the fact that nobody can prove it either way, unfortunately, and that that’s just where they’ll have to leave it.
How do U think they should handle this??
[Image via AP Images.]