TACOMA, Wash. – Miss Washington Elyse Umemoto has apologized for pictures of her in embarrassing poses made public by the gossip Web site TMZ.com.
In a press conference, Umemoto says the pictures were stolen and police have been contacted. She says the pictures were taken before she was Miss Washington.
TMZ.com posted pictures of Umemoto flipping off the camera while wearing a crown, playing a college drinking game and making suggestive hand signs.
Umemoto says the pictures were taken in a private setting and that her trust was violated. She adds she was clowning around when the pictures were taken.
The Wapato native was the second runner-up in the Miss America Pageant.
Miss Washington Scholarship Organization's field director, Mike Miller, says Umemoto will not be disciplined for the photos. A new Miss Washington will be chosen this weekend.
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