Miss Earth USA, Nicole Kelley, Dissed Philippines on Facebook? (VIDEO)

Controversy has struck the Miss Earth 2011 beauty pageant three days after the winners were proclaimed. No, the controversy is not about the results but one of the non-winning contestants – Miss Earth USA 2011, Nicole Lynn Kelley. Miss Earth USA, Nicole Kelley allegedly dissed the Philippines and Filipinos on Facebook. On the Facebook page ‘Nicole Lynn’ was this status report last month as she was competing in the 2011 Miss Earth being held in the Philippines:

“I hardly made it to manila and we already attended a ridiculous tv show. So annoying!!! These people want to touch you and be with you all the time!! I can’t understand a word they say. I can’t wait to go back home. This country is so dirty and noisy. I’m scared to eat!!! What a mess. On a lighter note I don’t see any real competition. Will keep you updated my loves.”

Many Filipinos were naturally up in arms over Nicole Kelley’s remarks. It’s a natural reaction, especially for a nation that takes so much pride in being a good host to its visitors. Many were understandably offended. But I have to agree on several points Nicole Kelley raised.

The Philippines, some parts of Metro Manila especially, can be very noisy and dirty. It’s common in the Third World. And for some tourists not accustomed to such an environment, it may quite upsetting. Kelley’s remark about being scared to eat is quite understandable. I have had similar reactions in some foreign places I visited as well. Nothing really wrong in what she posted, per se.

However, Nicole Kelley was a contestant in an international beauty pageant being hosted by a Third World nation. She should have been prepared for all of the things she was complaining about. From what we have seen in other such contests, participants are really immersed in the local culture – the people, the food, the surroundings, the local practices and traditions – for a purpose: for the experience and to test how contestants can readily adapt to new faces and surroundings. After all, if she wins, she would be exposed to so much more of it. And in this test, Miss Nicole Kelley failed because of the comments she posted.

Miss Earth USA 2011 later said she didn’t post that Facebook status, the her account was hacked. A video explaining the same issue also came out at almost the same time.

“I know that there has been something maliciously circulated about me and I want everyone to know that I ABSOLUTELY did NOT say anything of the sort I am very sorry about this!!! Someone hacked my account and has been posting comments as me. I was at a community garden tour this morning when it was posted and I am very disappointed in whomever would be so malicious!!!! Cyber- bullying should NEVER be tolerated and as Miss Earth US I won’t tolerate it either!!! On a better note I am ABSOLUTELY enjoying my time here in the Philippines, the people are fantastic!!”

Recently, Nicole Kelley again reiterated her claim that the Facebook entry didn’t come from her with this statement:

“This is last time I will address this… I NEVER said ANYTHING in poor taste or negative about the Philippines, the Philippino people, or anything else I am being accused of!!! All I can offer is an apology that my facebook account was hacked and to say that I had no internet access on those few days and that carousel supports me that it was not me making these comments. Cyberbullying is INEXCUSABLE and anyone who participates will be reported to facebook!!! From now on let’s live by the saying if you have nothing nice to say don’t say anything AT ALL!!! I had a fantastic time with all my girls in the Philippines and thank you from the bottom of my heart to carousel for providing us all this once in a LIFETIME opportunity!!! Stay glamorously green forever and always!!! Miss Earth United States 2011”

Frankly, I don’t believe her. (Posted below is a screenshot of the controversial entry reportedly made by Nicole Kelley.)

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