Ousted beauty queen Carrie Prejean sued pageant officials Monday for libel, slander and religious discrimination, alleging she was instructed to stop mentioning God even before her controversial remarks against gay marriage. The one-time Miss California was fired in June by pageant officials who said she missed scheduled appearances.
Her attorney, Chuck LiMandri, said that wasn't true, and Prejean was let go because of controversial remarks in April during the Miss USA pageant that marriage should be between a man and a woman. She was named first runner-up, and many believe she lost her shot at the Miss USA crown because of her answer.
Prejean sued California pageant executive director Keith Lewis and actress and former Miss USA Shanna Moakler, who served as a co-director before resigning in protest of Prejean.
LiMandri said that Prejean filed suit only after he sought detailed information on what events she missed.
"I wanted to give them every opportunity to provide the basis for those claims," LiMandri said, and added that he found no proof that Prejean missed events. "There were no contract violations," he said.
Former Miss California USA Carrie Prejean, who lost her crown in June, has sued pageant officials for libel, slander and religious discrimination. See pics of the one-time beauty queen >>>
FILE - In this April 26, 2009 file photo, Miss California USA Carrie Prejean listens to a question at the Rock Church during services in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy, File)
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NEW YORK - MAY 13: (NO SALES; NO ARCHIVE) In this handout image provided by American Broadcasting Companies (ABC), Donald Trump (C) and Miss California Carrie Prejean (R) speak with Robin Roberts (L) about the controversy surrounding beauty pageant on GOOD MORNING AMERICA May 13, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Ida Mae Astute/ABC News via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Robin Roberts;Carrie Prejean;Donald Trump
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NEW YORK - MAY 13: (NO SALES; NO ARCHIVE) In this handout image provided by American Broadcasting Companies (ABC), Donald Trump (C) and Miss California Carrie Prejean (R) speak with Robin Roberts (L) about the controversy surrounding beauty pageant on GOOD MORNING AMERICA May 13, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Ida Mae Astute/ABC News via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Robin Roberts;Carrie Prejean;Donald Trump
Getty Images
NEW YORK - MAY 13: (NO SALES; NO ARCHIVE) In this handout image provided by American Broadcasting Companies (ABC), Miss California Carrie Prejean speaks with Robin Roberts about the controversy surrounding her beauty pageant on GOOD MORNING AMERICA May 13, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Ida Mae Astute/ABC News via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Carrie Prejean
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NEW YORK - MAY 13: (NO SALES; NO ARCHIVE) In this handout image provided by American Broadcasting Companies (ABC), Miss California Carrie Prejean speaks with Robin Roberts about the controversy surrounding her beauty pageant on GOOD MORNING AMERICA May 13, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Ida Mae Astute/ABC News via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Carrie Prejean
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Miss California USA Carrie Prejean smiles during a press conference at Trump Tower on May 12, 2009 after Miss USA pageant owner Donald Trump announced that she will keep her title despite controversy over semi-nude photos and charges by state pageant officials that she had abandoned her duties to devote time in opposition to same-sex marriage. TOPSHOTS / AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)
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Miss California USA Carrie Prejean attends a press conference at Trump Tower on May 12, 2009 in New York City. Donald Trump Holds A Press Conference In Regards To Miss California USA Trump Tower New York, NY United States May 12, 2009 Photo by Eugene Gologursky/WireImage.com To license this image (57418810), contact WireImage.com
Eugene Gologursky/WireImage.com
Miss California USA Carrie Prejean attends a press conference at Trump Tower on May 12, 2009 in New York City. Donald Trump Holds A Press Conference In Regards To Miss California USA Trump Tower New York, NY United States May 12, 2009 Photo by Eugene Gologursky/WireImage.com To license this image (57418801), contact WireImage.com
Eugene Gologursky/WireImage.com
Donald J. Trump and Miss California USA Carrie Prejean attend a press conference>> at Trump Tower on May 12, 2009 in New York City. Donald Trump Holds A Press Conference In Regards To Miss California USA Trump Tower New York, NY United States May 12, 2009 Photo by Eugene Gologursky/WireImage.com To license this image (57418829), contact WireImage.com
Eugene Gologursky/WireImage.com
Donald J. Trump and Miss California USA Carrie Prejean attend a press conference at Trump Tower on May 12, 2009 in New York City. Donald Trump Holds A Press Conference In Regards To Miss California USA Trump Tower New York, NY United States May 12, 2009 Photo by Eugene Gologursky/WireImage.com To license this image (57418827), contact WireImage.com
Eugene Gologursky/WireImage.com
The lawsuit claims Lewis and Moakler both told Prejean not to mention God on her Miss USA application or at public events at least two months before she gave her anti-gay marriage answer.
The suit also claims Moakler and Lewis improperly revealed that Miss California USA had paid for Prejean's breast implants.
Moakler's attorney, Mel Avanzado, said in a statement that Prejean's lawsuit was without merit. "More importantly, as everyone who watched or read her public statements is well aware, Ms. Prejean's unfortunate and bigoted statements are responsible for any public humiliation or damages to her reputation that she has claimed to have suffered," Avanzado wrote. "Ms. Moakler strenuously denies that she did anything wrong and looks forward to proving that in a court of law."
Prejean is also suing publicist Roger Neal, who handles press for Miss California USA and Lewis.
Neal said he could not immediately comment on the lawsuit.
The lawsuit accuses Lewis, Moakler and Neal of using Internet sites such as Facebook and Twitter to post disparaging remarks about Prejean.
The lawsuit does not name Donald Trump, who owns Miss California USA's parent organization and who in May refused to fire Prejean, a decision he reversed a month later. The suit states Trump authorized Prejean's appearance on the'Fox and Friends'show in May and a Shape magazine interview, both of which were sighted by Lewis as unauthorized public appearances by the beauty queen.
The complaint does not state a specific dollar figure that Prejean is seeking. It claims she has been subject to public ridicule and humiliation and lost out on modeling work because she lost her crown. She has also suffered anxiety, depression and loss of sleep since her firing, the lawsuit states.
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I wouldn't expect a sub par agency as Popeater to have proper english, spelling or punctuation anyway. I do not exactly consider them to be a bonifide news agency.
I cannot imagine this girl doing this by herself. Apparently, the very forces of religion that deprived our gay brothers the same rights as the rest of us, and the religious right have some influence in this lawsuit I warrant. We should soon start a Prejean Defense Fund and preempt any Republican efforts to do so. To those who think that their God is the only true one, think how extremist that thought might be in the eyes of a non-believer or one who embraces another religion. I do no begrudge Ms. Maokler for her stand by stepping down from her position on the Pageant and I do not care that she was naked and capitalized on her good looks and fame. I even supported Ms. Prejean when Paris Hilton had that 'hissy' fit about Ms. Prejean's answer on gay rights. If the Pageant does not want to hear a certain answer, they should not ask those kind of questions. Unfortunately, this young, conservative woman really believes that she is picked by God to fight the battles of the righteous through a wing of the Republican Party. Yes! Her time would have been better served had she moved on with her life. Perhaps it's that new-found narcissism to be in the spotlight while making excuses about why vanity is not a sin.
meeow ! Remember, WE the American people ( still ?) have the right to religious freedom AND of speech. PLUS, this was entrapment. MOST American people would complain about that.
She has every right to voice her opinion. Since when did the GLBT community decide what is correct thought in this country. Too bad if they don't like it. She most certainly should sue for religious discrimination. It's pretty clear. I mean the whole thing was captured on TV.
Posed for soft core porn pictures, appeared in a beauty pageant half naked,and barely put a sentence together. Where does god come into this picture? Carrie look up the meaning of the word "bimbo", then look into a mirror. Girls like you are one of the reason my brother, A TV show producer, is a very happy man, beautiful girls with drop dead bodys, limited intellegence and will do anything to get into show business. Learn a skill, run for Sarah Palin's ex job.
It's always nice when "the other side" reveals themselves to be so bigoted and narrow-minded. Carrie is not entitled to her opinion but the bigoted Perez Hilton is entiled to his! What a bunch of losers! If it was a woman who was embarassed by a religious group, the shoe would be on the other foot. Carrie is entitled to her opinions and her day in court if she was treated wrong. Period!
Bow out gracefully? My how it sucks when the glass slipper is exchanged for the shoe…. Gee, I feel soooo sorry for someone that has had limits put on how they feel or live there life… hurts doesn’t it. Awe so your going to sue huh? Need bigger boobs…. What a waste… get over yourself and maybe try to learn something. I think this countries support of narcissistic, fake, plastic bodies and attitudes is gross too, but I don’t dictate how you live your life, I laugh and change the channel. Good luck, obviously your capacity to comprehend that making others feel unwarranted isn’t something you should “use” to get a vote. I can think of another Christian far more famous , talented, beautiful (in and out) and a hell of a lot wiser than you “miss” , Reba McEntire she has the right idea, she is human and has respect. Oh and here is a few messages you missed. Peter 3: 3-4 3Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight
1 Timothy 2: 9-10 9likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.
AMEX - While I am a firm believer in equal rights for all and disagree with cosmetic surgical body alterations, you are forgetting that your biblical quotes are from men addressed to women at THAT time. Originally, God (if I am allowed to use that reference), according to the Bible's Old Testament, had Man (as a species) walking around naked in the Garden of Eden. This also applies to Wminphoenix's statement, as "softcore porn" would then be sanctioned as showing God's work (admittedly, if it weren't for the surgery).
What is WITH this girl? We should be suing HER for all the airspace she has stolen from the REAL news of the day. Besides, nobody is slandering her. The organization OBVIOUSLY did not want to crown a racist bigot to represent their pageant. It was SHE who brought "religion" into the conversation in the first place. Further, if the pageant paid for her implants, it is certainly within their right to disclose that in any way they want. This broad's career is OVER, and she just wants to grab a few bucks on her way out of town.
there are some sick people out there, we can see how evil works,this beautiful women said she believes marriage is between a man and women and now we see the results,, what is wrong with this country, we need people like her, states are now saying men can marry men, women can marry women, did you the public give that right,by vote, are you agreeing that you say it is all right for a man to legally marry a man, they can do what they wont to as a free society, but to make it legal, which in turn has to be agreed to by the population as a whole,or we selling our souls by not making sure who we ellect, people to fight for desent moral values, would you keep 2 male dogs that have sex with each other,out side in your yard, I believe most people would not, you can do what you wont to in your own homes between adults, but do not make it out to be sponsered by this whole country,is redlicous, countryes realize mistakes made can be corrected, stand your ground Men and women of desent moral beliefs, and that love God
I always think its funny when someone complains that someone's actions "stole airspace from the REAL news of the day." If you didn't think it was news, why the #%@% did you read it, much less take the time and effort to actually comment on it? You are a moron....a bigoted moron who doesn't believe in free speech (except, of course, when it fits your anti-morality agenda).
"bigoted statements" Expressing your religious views is being bigoted? Every Christian Denomination that I'm familiar with has the same views on marriage. Does that make millions of Christian Americans bigoted? Carrie, sue their asses off. Why, do the minority of people who have no ethical or moral principles, think that we should all accept their perverse way of thinking. It's about time people with moral up-bringing stood up to the Hollywood mentality of whats right or wrong!
What a silly mommy! Katie Holmes takes Suri into the water in her clothes as the two spend the afternoon at the beach in Miami. More of Today's Hottest Photos
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"both of which were sighted by Lewis"
The word is "cited" not "sighted".
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I wouldn't expect a sub par agency as Popeater to have proper english, spelling or punctuation anyway. I do not exactly consider them to be a bonifide news agency.
Carrie, for the love of God, please move on with your life. Go to law school or something. GEEZ!!
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I cannot imagine this girl doing this by herself. Apparently, the very forces of religion that deprived our gay brothers the same rights as the rest of us, and the religious right have some influence in this lawsuit I warrant. We should soon start a Prejean Defense Fund and preempt any Republican efforts to do so. To those who think that their God is the only true one, think how extremist that thought might be in the eyes of a non-believer or one who embraces another religion. I do no begrudge Ms. Maokler for her stand by stepping down from her position on the Pageant and I do not care that she was naked and capitalized on her good looks and fame. I even supported Ms. Prejean when Paris Hilton had that 'hissy' fit about Ms. Prejean's answer on gay rights. If the Pageant does not want to hear a certain answer, they should not ask those kind of questions. Unfortunately, this young, conservative woman really believes that she is picked by God to fight the battles of the righteous through a wing of the Republican Party. Yes! Her time would have been better served had she moved on with her life. Perhaps it's that new-found narcissism to be in the spotlight while making excuses about why vanity is not a sin.
Did you forget about freedom of speech? Know your rights as an American citizen.
Better yet, just go away!!! Go away!!!! Go get a job, take your beliefs and your breast implants and go join a convent!
Reply
Sue 'em girl, they deserve it, and don't let their discrimination stop you. If there's any justice you'll win the suit.
meeow ! Remember, WE the American people ( still ?) have the right to religious freedom AND of speech.
PLUS, this was entrapment. MOST American people would complain about that.
Everyone knows they were out to get her from the minute she made the comment!!!!
Reply
She has every right to voice her opinion. Since when did the GLBT community decide what is correct thought in this country. Too bad if they don't like it. She most certainly should sue for religious discrimination. It's pretty clear. I mean the whole thing was captured on TV.
Posed for soft core porn pictures, appeared in a beauty pageant half naked,and barely put a sentence together. Where does god come into this picture?
Carrie look up the meaning of the word "bimbo", then look into a mirror. Girls like you are one of the reason my brother, A TV show producer, is a very happy man, beautiful girls with drop dead bodys, limited intellegence and will do anything to get into show business. Learn a skill, run for Sarah Palin's ex job.
Reply
It's always nice when "the other side" reveals themselves to be so bigoted and narrow-minded. Carrie is not entitled to her opinion but the bigoted Perez Hilton is entiled to his! What a bunch of losers! If it was a woman who was embarassed by a religious group, the shoe would be on the other foot. Carrie is entitled to her opinions and her day in court if she was treated wrong. Period!
Bow out gracefully?
My how it sucks when the glass slipper is exchanged for the shoe…. Gee, I feel soooo sorry for someone that has had limits put on how they feel or live there life… hurts doesn’t it. Awe so your going to sue huh? Need bigger boobs…. What a waste… get over yourself and maybe try to learn something. I think this countries support of narcissistic, fake, plastic bodies and attitudes is gross too, but I don’t dictate how you live your life, I laugh and change the channel. Good luck, obviously your capacity to comprehend that making others feel unwarranted isn’t something you should “use” to get a vote. I can think of another Christian far more famous , talented, beautiful (in and out) and a hell of a lot wiser than you “miss” , Reba McEntire she has the right idea, she is human and has respect.
Oh and here is a few messages you missed.
Peter 3: 3-4
3Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight
1 Timothy 2: 9-10
9likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.
Reply
AMEX - While I am a firm believer in equal rights for all and disagree with cosmetic surgical body alterations, you are forgetting that your biblical quotes are from men addressed to women at THAT time. Originally, God (if I am allowed to use that reference), according to the Bible's Old Testament, had Man (as a species) walking around naked in the Garden of Eden. This also applies to Wminphoenix's statement, as "softcore porn" would then be sanctioned as showing God's work (admittedly, if it weren't for the surgery).
What is WITH this girl? We should be suing HER for all the airspace she has stolen from the REAL news of the day. Besides, nobody is slandering her. The organization OBVIOUSLY did not want to crown a racist bigot to represent their pageant. It was SHE who brought "religion" into the conversation in the first place. Further, if the pageant paid for her implants, it is certainly within their right to disclose that in any way they want. This broad's career is OVER, and she just wants to grab a few bucks on her way out of town.
Reply
there are some sick people out there, we can see how evil works,this beautiful women said she believes marriage is between a man and women and now we see the results,, what is wrong with this country, we need people like her, states are now saying men can marry men, women can marry women, did you the public give that right,by vote, are you agreeing that you say it is all right for a man to legally marry a man, they can do what they wont to as a free society, but to make it legal, which in turn has to be agreed to by the population as a whole,or we selling our souls by not making sure who we ellect, people to fight for desent moral values, would you keep 2 male dogs that have sex with each other,out side in your yard, I believe most people would not, you can do what you wont to in your own homes between adults, but do not make it out to be sponsered by this whole country,is redlicous, countryes realize mistakes made can be corrected, stand your ground Men and women of desent moral beliefs, and that love God
howard --get an education --you do spell like a republican though - the higher the education level the more likely you are to support gay rights.
I always think its funny when someone complains that someone's actions "stole airspace from the REAL news of the day." If you didn't think it was news, why the #%@% did you read it, much less take the time and effort to actually comment on it? You are a moron....a bigoted moron who doesn't believe in free speech (except, of course, when it fits your anti-morality agenda).
"bigoted statements"
Expressing your religious views is being bigoted? Every Christian Denomination that I'm familiar with has the same views on marriage. Does that make millions of Christian Americans bigoted? Carrie, sue their asses off. Why, do the minority of people who have no ethical or moral principles, think that we should all accept their perverse way of thinking. It's about time people with moral up-bringing stood up to the Hollywood mentality of whats right or wrong!
Reply
Yes it does...