Miss USA Tara Conner Gets Reprieve from Donald Trump

The news looks grim for Miss USA Tara Conner whose fate was to be decided by Miss Universe Organization owner Donald Trump.  In the end, the Donald did not utter his classic catch phrase "You're Fired!"  Instead, he granted the busty beauty queen a rare reprieve.

"I've always been a believer in second chances," Trump said at a news conference. He and Conner met earlier Tuesday morning.

Following reports that Miss USA Tara Conner is currently under investigation for what pageant officials deemed "behavioral and personal issues" came news that the Donald had ordered Conner to pack her bags and move out of her Trump Plaza apartment.

Conner's questionable conduct allegedly stems from inappropriate behavior at New York nightclubs. The 21 year old may have been seen drinking alcohol as well.

Miss USA is considered a role model, and her conduct must reflect that, Miss Universe Organization spokeswoman Lark-Marie Anton said last week. Behavior such as underage drinking is clearly prohibited, she said.

First runner-up Miss California Tamiko Nash would take over as Miss USA if Conner does officially get the boot.

"We have to make a decision," he said. "There is no question about that."

Conner, a 5-foot-5 blonde, has been competing in pageants since age 4. After winning the Miss USA title in April, she finished fourth in the Miss Universe pageant in July.

"I am an easygoing, down-to-earth girl," Conner said in her contestant profile. "Throughout my life, hardships and different experiences have made me a very humbled, yet strong individual. It is because of these life lessons that I have become the person I am today."

In 2002, Miss Russia Oxana Fedorova won the Miss Universe pageant but was stripped of her title after violating her contract. Trump said Fedorova didn't show up for some photo shoots and charity events. It was the first time a titleholder had been ousted in the contest's more than 50-year history.

 

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Sparky Collins, www.gambling911.com

Originally published December 19, 2006 10:34 am ET