Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo could face jail time for modeling shoes.
It may sound innocuous, but it is where she modeled the shoes that is causing controversy. Culpo posed for a shoe photo shoot at the famed Taj Mahal, although she claims she did not agree with the chosen location. The move could land her in jail for two years if found guilty, the Huffington Post confirms.
The Hindustan Times reported on Monday that officials from the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) will file a police complaint against Culpo for her October 6 visit to the world wonder because of the shoot that took place there. Miss Universe modeled pairs of shoes at the marble ledge called the Diana seat without permission from ASI.
"The sandals from a bag she carried were taken and placed on the Diana Seat for shooting pictures, which is not permitted by the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India)," Taj Mahal caretaker Munazzar Ali told India's Mid-Day paper, according to the Hindustan Times. "It also amounts to disrespect and insult."
Police Inspector Sushant Guar said that Culpo and the others involved in the shoot violated India's Heritage Act, which bans commercial activity at the Taj Mahal. Culpo and others could face up to two years in jail and a fine of 100,000 rupees ($1,600) if found guilty, Guar said.
Culpo, 21, claims that she did not endorse the photo shoot. "I mean, I'm an employee of the Miss Universe organization and following directions given to me," Culpo told the Providence Journal. "I guess their vision was, 'What's better to identify India than the Taj Mahal?' But unfortunately it's something that was highly offensive. Honestly, I did say out loud at one point, 'Isn't this a little inappropriate?'"
"It's upsetting to me that I was a part of that," Culpo added. "It's really upsetting because I loved my visit to India, and I would love nothing more than to go back, even in the near future."
The Miss Universe Organization apologized for the incident in a statement, explaining that titleholders make videos with promotional partners throughout their run as Miss Universe.
"As part of these videos, we sometimes incorporate sponsors into these shoots," the statement read. "The filming that took place outside the Taj Mahal was never intended to be used as a commercial nor was it meant in any way to be disrespectful."
Culpo, a Rhode Island native who competed in the pageant as Miss USA, took a 10-day trip to India in September. The commercial shoot aside, the real focus of the trip was female empowerment and spreading AIDS awareness.