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Dethroned Miss Nevada USA gives public apology

By MELANIE AVE
Published December 24, 2006

CLEARWATER - The dethroned and disgraced beauty queen emerged from seclusion Saturday and apologized for racy photos of her that appeared on the Internet.

And her attorney said he has asked that the former Miss Nevada USA receive a second chance at her crown.

In her first public comments since being stripped of her title on Thursday, the former Miss Nevada USA Katie Rees, 22, told a dozen reporters she takes full responsibility for the photographs - "an isolated incident during my teenage years."

"This incident does not reflect who I am or who I plan to be," said Rees, reading from a prepared statement during a press conference at the Clearwater Marriott. "I am so sorry this happened.

"So many of us don't realize how our actions, even one night of poor judgment, can affect the rest of our lives."

Rees was one of three beauty contestants caught red-faced last week.

Tampa attorney Mario Torres said he wants Miss Universe Organization co-owner Donald Trump to treat Rees as he did Miss USA Tara Conner, who was allowed to keep her tiara when she admitted to underage drinking at New York bars and agreed to rehab and drug testing.

The Miss Universe Organization owns the Miss USA pageant.

In another contestant foible, Mothers Against Drunk Driving severed its ties to Miss Teen USA Katie Blair, 18, of Billings, Mont., who had been seen partying with Conner.

Torres said he and a public relations representative have called Trump but have not received any response.

Paula M. Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization, made the decision to take away Rees' crown, which was supported by Trump.

"This is the company decision," Miss Universe Organization spokeswoman Lark-Marie Anton said Saturday, "and the decision is final."

But Torres insisted that if Rees is given a chance to meet with Trump, "he can see the type of person she is. The incident that took place ... was isolated. Everything else on her record is exemplary."

Rees is a former Junior Miss Largo and Florida Tiny Miss who grew up in Pinellas County.

She is visiting her parents, David and Shannon Rees of Largo, for the holidays. All three refused to answer questions about the incident, that has garnered national publicity.

For most of the press conference, Rees stood next to her parents, tightly gripping her father's hand.

Torres said Rees did not recall the photos existed and said they were taken by a friend, who was not named. Some of the photos show Rees kissing women, exposing one of her breasts and displaying her thong underwear at a party in Tampa when she was 19 years old.

Torres said he may pursue legal action, including a suit against the person who took the pictures and made them public and "should in some way be held accountable."

"There are potential issues that we may consider," he said. "At this point, this is our first step."

Unless Rees gets her crown back, first runnerup Helen Salas will assume the title of Miss Nevada USA and compete at the next Miss USA pageant, March 23 in Los Angeles.

Torres said Rees' future is unclear but bright regardless of what happens with her beauty crown.

"She's a bright young girl," he said, "with a great deal of potential."

Melanie Ave can be reached at 727893-8813 or mave@sptimes.com.

[Last modified December 24, 2006, 00:54:51]