San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec




San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

MEET IN THE MIDDLE: Prejean’s lawsuit shameful

    Beauty queens and drama queens seem to go hand in hand. Especially when describing this past year’s Miss USA pageant, which featured La Jolla resident Carrie Prejean. Prejean made headlines with her response to a question about gay marriage, which she does not support 8212; “no offense to anyone.” Prejean finished in second place and claims her controversial answer cost her the crown.

    Shortly following the pageant, Prejean appeared across the media circuit, claiming the results were unfair. She projected herself as a victim and speculated that, “On April 19 on that stage, I exercised my freedom of speech and I was punished for doing so.” Nevermind her inarticulate and clumsy response. Despite the controversy, Donald Trump, the owner of the Miss USA pageant, expressed his support for Prejean and stated she would remain Miss California.

    Not long after, Prejean was dismissed as Miss California for failing to uphold her contractual agreements. Co-director of Miss California USA Keith Lewis said the main reason for firing her was “Prejean’s unwillingness to make appearances on behalf of the Miss California USA organization.” These were mandatory appearances that were part of her contract.

    Claiming libel and religious discrimination, Prejean filed a lawsuit on Aug. 31 against the Miss California USA organization.

    Prejean’s lawyer claimed she did not break any commitments and told www.foxnews.com, “If Carrie had not answered the question in support of traditional marriage … she would most certainly still be Miss California.”

    Prejean neglected requirements of her contract by failing to make appearances she promised to attend. The directors had every right to dismiss her for violating an agreement that she signed.

    Prejean violated her contract in more ways than one. She appeared in an advertisement for the National Organization for Marriage when her contract explicitly stated she couldn’t do that without permission. She refused to appear on the “Larry King Live” show even though she previously agreed to it. Prejean abandoned her responsibilities in favor of self-promotion. Her own blind ambition trumped her duties as Miss California.

    Prejean is desperately attempting to stay in the limelight even though her 15 minutes of fame are through. Because she is now suing the organization that helped her get where she is today reveals that she is inconsiderate and only looking out for her future career.
    Prejean brought these circumstances upon herself. It was Prejean who talked with multiple reporters and appeared on numerous television networks discussing her controversial opinion.

    Her image as a wounded beauty queen is counteracted by her benefiting from the entire situation. Former Miss California mainstreamed herself, and as a result of the attention, experienced a backlash.

    Prejean chose to speak out against a controversial issue many Californians closely follow, but failed to do so in an eloquent and thoughtful manner. While I disagree with Prejean’s views on gay marriage, she has every right to voice her opinion, as everyone does.
    But this is no longer about her personal views. It is about the belief that she is entitled to money after this entire ordeal. Prejean is selfish and willing to exploit others for her own gain.

    Prejean has already written an autobiography and will likely make a large profit from it. This lawsuit seems very timely with her upcoming book release and is likely yet another shameless publicity stunt.

    All this boils down to is a simple labor dispute. She was contracted to fulfill a job and she failed. She needs to dismiss this case, as it has no legitimate claim, and move on.
    Miss California is not representative of California or a political title. She made a big mistake when she put her ideology to the forefront of the camera and forgot about her job duties. In an economy where jobs are hard to come by, it was not smart to neglect her contractual obligations. Last I heard, Prejean, McDonald’s is always hiring.

    8212;Sarah Grieco is a public relations junior.

    8212;This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec. Send e-mail to opinion@thedailyaztec.com. Anonymous letters will not be printed 8212; include your full name, major and year in school.

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