Kristhielee Caride, who was crowned Miss Puerto Rico just four months ago, was stripped of her crown this week after having a negative attitude during a recent interview.
In an interview with Elnuevodia.com, Caride seemed despondent and not interested in doing the interview. At one point, she said, “I just do not like cameras.”
David Lowry, Miss Universe Puerto Rico national director, was by her side for that interview and was angry with her behavior. “I wanted the earth to swallow me," he told The Associated Press. "You always have to put your best face forward ... it's a given that we are going to be in front of cameras and that we have to answer all types of questions."
Lowry added that Caride never apologized directly to officials and told them that she had a personal issue. She said she would never behave that way again, but then went on to cancel another appearance.
Caride later posted an apology for her behavior on Facebook. “I allowed my feelings to get in the way of my work,” she wrote, but did not agree with the decision. She still agreed to turn her sash in though. She also thanked fans on Twitter.
During a press conference on March 17, Lowry presented the title of Miss Puerto Rico to Brenda Jimenez. She will represent the U.S. territory at the Miss Universe pageant.