Police in India launch investigation into American Miss Universe for taking part in ‘disrespectful’ photo shoot

10 years ago | Posted in: Entertainment | 1122 Views

Miss Universe Olivia Culpo has found herself at the center of a storm of controversy during a trip to India after she allegedly violated strict product placement rules at the Taj Mahal on Sunday.

The notoriously inflexible Archaeological Survery of India (ASI) has lodged a police complaint against the 21-year-old 2012 Miss Universe and the agency behind her visit after she appeared to model a pair of high-heeled shoes while photographers shot her with the iconic monument to love in the background.

The incident took place at the marble bench popularly known as the Diana Seat, named after the now famous picture taken of a forlorn looking Princess Diana on a trip to the Taj in 1992 – which was seen to highlight the sad state of her marriage to Prince Charles.

During her one-hour vist to the world heritage site on Sunday, Culpo and her entourage seemed to show as much interest as any of the millions of tourists who visit the 360-year-old white marble mausoleum located in Agra, in the central state of Uttar Pradesh.

Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal and completed in 1653, the Taj Mahal visit was going well until Culpo reached the marble plinth at the top of the Central Pond that leads to the entrance.

It is alleged that her team produced shoes which she started trying on as photographers snapped away and there was no objection from police on duty.

‘We have taken note of the incident and are appraising the superintending archaeologist in writing,’ said Munazzar Ali, conservation archaeologist (CA) for the ASI office at the Taj.

‘Indeed, there are guidelines prohibiting branding and publicity on the Taj premises but facts related to the incident are yet to be verified.’

Olivia, who won Miss Universe Title last year, visited India from September 27th till OCtober 6th as part of her Miss Universe Commitments.

Earlier in her trip, Culpo also visited the notorious Tihar jail in the capital New Delhi.

While visiting the jail took a pledge from the inmates against violence against the women.

During her tour, Culpo was shown around and explained the functioning of the jail factory and the products manufactured by the inmates.

And just before she jetted off to India she celebrated her boyfriend, Nick Jonas’ 21st birthday in Las Vegas.

source: dailymail UK

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