Miss USA Sarah Rose Summers has apologized for her controversial comments that mocked Miss Vietnam and Miss Cambodia.
On Instagram, Summers posted on Thursday: "Miss Universe is an opportunity for women from around the world to learn about each other’s cultures, life experiences and views. We all come from different backgrounds and can grow alongside one another;
"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;
"My life, friendships, and career revolve around me being a compassionate and empathetic woman. I would never intend to hurt another. 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," says the beauty queen from Nebraska."
Summers has apologized on Instagram over controversial comments. (SARAH ROSE SUMMERS / INSTAGRAM / MANILA BULLETIN)
Summers came under fire when a video taken during Instagram Live made the rounds of social media. She was talking about two Asian candidates with Miss Australia Francesca Hung and Miss Colombia Valeria Morales.
"What do you think of Miss Vietnam Nie?" asked Summers."She's 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 goes, " Summers laughed. "She's adorable."
Miss Colombia then asked Summers: "How?" Later Summers can be heard on video saying: "Miss Cambodia is here and doesn't speak any English and not a single other person speaks her language. Can you imagine? Francesca said that would be so isolating and I said yes and just confusing all the time."
Summers said: "Poor Cambodia." Miss USA then received a backlash from her comments on social media.