In mid-2024, social media was abuzz with claims that former U.S. President Donald Trump boasted about entering the changing rooms of Miss Teen USA contestants, many of whom were underage. This allegation resurfaced discussions about Trump's history with beauty pageants, which he owned and operated in the past. As a public figure, Trump's remarks have often drawn scrutiny, particularly regarding their implications about women and appropriateness.
Various viral posts highlighted Trump's ownership of several beauty pageants, including Miss USA, Miss Universe, and Miss Teen USA. However, these posts did not clarify which specific pageant contestant rooms he allegedly bragged about entering. This ambiguity raises questions about the context and nature of his comments.
One notable claim cited a conversation between Trump and radio host Howard Stern, where Trump allegedly stated, "I’ll go backstage before a Miss Teen USA show and everyone’s getting dressed." This remark sparked outrage, especially considering many contestants were reportedly between the ages of 14 to 16 at that time. It is crucial to analyze Trump's past comments and the subsequent allegations made by former contestants of these pageants.
(Screenshot via X)
Understanding Trump's Comments on Pageants
From 1995 to 2015, Trump co-owned the Miss Universe Organization, which included the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants. During his time as co-owner, Trump made several public statements that have since been criticized as demeaning to women. For instance, Trump’s comments about being allowed to enter dressing rooms because of his ownership raises ethical concerns and questions about consent.
One infamous conversation from an April 2005 episode of Howard Stern's show involved Trump being asked if he had ever had sexual relations with Miss USA or Miss Universe contestants. Trump replied, "I never comment on things like that," which only added fuel to the speculation around his behavior.
In a further exchange, when asked if it was a conflict of interest to sleep with contestants, Trump responded, "It could be a conflict of interest, but, you know, it’s the kind of thing you worry about later." Such statements depict a troubling perspective that trivializes the seriousness of boundaries and professional ethics.
Allegations from Former Contestants
Numerous allegations have surfaced regarding Trump’s behavior towards contestants during their time in the pageants. For instance, several former contestants from the Miss Teen USA pageant have claimed that Trump walked into their changing rooms unannounced. A 2016 Buzzfeed investigation revealed that almost half a dozen contestants reported similar experiences, with some as young as 15 at the time.
Mariah Billado, a former Miss Vermont Teen USA, recounted an incident from the 1997 Miss Teen USA pageant, saying, "I remember putting on my dress really quick because I was like, 'Oh my god, there’s a man in here.'" Trump's response reportedly included, "Don’t worry, ladies, I’ve seen it all before," which many interpreted as dismissive of the discomfort his presence caused.
These testimonies highlight a pattern of behavior that raises serious questions about Trump's respect for personal boundaries. In 2016, a former Miss USA contestant described a similar situation, emphasizing that they were told to greet Trump while in compromising positions, further illustrating the pressure contestants faced.
Responses and Denials
In response to the allegations, Trump’s spokesperson has consistently denied any wrongdoing. They have characterized the accusations as unfounded and politically motivated, suggesting that these claims emerge during pivotal moments in Trump's career—such as his presidential campaign. "These accusations have no merit and have already been disproven by many other individuals who were present," the spokesperson claimed.
This ongoing controversy illustrates the complexities surrounding power dynamics in beauty pageants and the treatment of women within the entertainment industry. Trump's comments and the allegations against him prompt a broader conversation about respect, boundaries, and the treatment of women in public and private spheres.
Final Thoughts
In summary, while Trump has made statements about entering contestant dressing rooms, the context often pertains to Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants, where contestants are typically 18 and older. Nevertheless, serious allegations from former contestants at Miss Teen USA indicate a troubling history that cannot be overlooked. As society grapples with issues of consent and respect, this situation serves as a reminder of the need for accountability, especially for those in positions of power.
Sources
"Apply." Miss USA. 24 June 2022, https://themissusa.com/apply/. Accessed 25 March 2024.
Barbash, Fred. "Former Miss Arizona: Trump 'Just Came Strolling Right in' on Naked Contestants." Washington Post, 25 Oct. 2021. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/10/12/former-miss-arizona-trump-just-came-strolling-right-in-on-naked-contestants/ Accessed 25 March 2024.
"Former Beauty Queen: Contestants Were Forced To Greet Trump Even When Not Fully Dressed." CBS Los Angeles. 11 Oct. 2016, https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/former-beauty-queen-she-other-contestants-were-forced-to-greet-trump-even-when-not-fully-dressed/ Accessed 25 March 2024.
McDermott, Nate and Andrew Kaczynski, Chris Massie. "Donald Trump to Howard Stern: It's Okay to Call My Daughter a 'Piece of Ass' | CNN Politics." CNN, 8 Oct. 2016, https://www.cnn.com/2016/10/08/politics/trump-on-howard-stern/index.html. Accessed 25 March 2024.
Toobin, Jeffrey. "Trump's Miss Universe Gambit." The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2018. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/02/26/trumps-miss-universe-gambit. Accessed 25 March 2024.
Testa, Jessica and Kendall Taggart, Jessica Garrison. "Teen Beauty Queens Say Trump Walked In On Them Changing." BuzzFeed News, 13 Oct. 2016, https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/kendalltaggart/teen-beauty-queens-say-trump-walked-in-on-them-changing. Accessed 25 March 2024.
"VOTING RULES." Miss Universe, https://www.missuniverse.com/copy-of-apply. Accessed 25 March 2024.