Pageant Suspends Puerto Rico for Muslim Tweet
Miss Puerto Rico was suspended from the Miss America organization for tweeting comments opposing Islam.
The issue started when filmmaker Michael Moore tweeted that everyone should post photos holding signs that read, "We Are All Muslim."
However, Destiny Velez didn't like that idea. She tweeted, "There's no comparison between Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Jews nor Christians have terrorizing agendas in their sacred books."
Velez reportedly apologized and her Twitter account has been taken down.
"I apologize to the people I have offended with my words. I am first and foremost an #UpStander and as such I stand up against bullying," she said. "The last thing I wanted to do was to bully anyone. Again, I apologize to anyone who felt offended with my words."
Nevertheless, the Miss Puerto Rico organization has still suspended Velez for her beliefs. The Miss Puerto Rico Organization released a statement on Facebook over weekend about Velez's remarks.
"The Miss Puerto Rico Organization feels that her words do not represent the integrity and esteem of our program, nor that of our board members, our sponsors and partners, or the National Organization," the statement read.
"Miss Velez's actions were in contradiction to the organization, and therefore as a consequence of her actions, she has been suspended indefinitely. The Miss Puerto Rico Organization will not tolerate any actions or behavior contrary to the Miss Puerto Rico Organization. The Miss Puerto Rico Organization apologizes for the distress that Miss Velez's actions and conduct may have caused."
