'We were used as puppets to put on a show': Miss Montana slams Miss USA pageant organizers for 'rigging' contest to let Miss Texas win after giving her 'more resources'
  • 2 years ago

Heather Lee O'Keefe, 25, of Bozeman, claimed Miss USA pageant contests 'were all used as puppets' to showboat the 'predetermined winner'. She double down on her and her fellow contestants claim that Miss USA 2022 was rigged for Miss Texas R'Bonney Gabriel, 28, of Houston, to win. O'Keefe told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview that the organizers had an 'inherent bias' toward Gabriel, since it is largely based in Houston. Contestants have claimed Gabriel received 'more resources than we did,' like a professional hair and makeup team and that she violated handbook guidelines. O'Keefe also said an inside source told her that the 2020 and 2021 winners were forced to give Pro-Miss USA statements. Crystle Stewart, the pageant president, has denied all accusations against them, saying she would never 'rig a competition.' Miss Universe, which runs Miss USA, has started an internal investigation into the Class of 2022's allegations. Miss USA is also investigating.