Here’s the Question That Sparked Twitter Outrage During the Miss USA Pageant
The Q&A portion of the Miss USA pageant is famous for missteps, but usually the pratfalls come from the answers—not the questions. Over the weekend, though, judge Laura Brown asked Miss Hawaii Chelsea Hardin a question that incited immediate boos from the crowd—and a veritable Twitterstorm afterward.
“With Hillary Clinton expected to surpass the delegate count needed to win the Democratic Party nomination, my question to you is: If the election were held tomorrow, would you vote Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump for president, and why would you chose one over the other?” Brown asked.
Visibly taken aback, Hardin plastered on the trademark pageant smile and started by joking, “I would get that, right?” Taking a breath, she continued, “All I have to say—it doesn’t matter what gender. What we need in the United States is someone who represents those of us who don’t feel like we have a voice, those of us who want our voices heard. We need a president to push for what is right, and push for what America really needs.”
Twitter, where the world goes to vent, erupted with commentary on the inappropriate question; some suggested that Miss Hawaii was robbed of a Miss USA crown because of it.
That was the worst question to give to a contestant and #MissHawaii handled that professionally and the best way possible. #MissUSA
— Ashley Alexiss (@AshAlexiss) June 6, 2016
Worst. Question. Ever. Good job #MissHawaii for refusing to answer. #MissUSA @DenverChannel https://t.co/5gGdPRvQrt
— Nicole Brady (@NicoleDenver7) June 6, 2016
We all know #MissHawaii was winner! These judges just pick District of Columbia just because she’s in military. It’s obvious. #MissUSA
— Sonny (@sonnyleyba) June 6, 2016
I want to apologize on behalf of all Americans for putting #MissHawaii though that question. Win or lose, you are MY #MissUSA
— Michael Mihajlov (@MihajlovM) June 6, 2016
Sorry #MissHawaii you got screwed out of the crown you earned because our society loves to make everything social and political. #MissUSA
— Bill Schack (@schack14) June 6, 2016
Miss Hawaii I applaud your confidence and bravery answering such a difficult and inappropriate question #MissUSA #MissHawaii
— Devon Paul (@devleeann) June 6, 2016
When you vote for president, your ballot is secret. Completely inappropriate #MissUSA question, but #MissHawaii answered gracefully
— Brandie Piper (@BrandiePiper) June 6, 2016
How can you ask a contestant who they would vote for?! Proud of #MissHawaii for elegantly dancing around that. #MissUSA
— Erica Kay Sweeney (@ericakays) June 6, 2016
Wow. Awful question on #MissUSA to #MissHawaii. She should NOT have to announce who she is voting for on live tv. Great answer Hawaii!!!
— Carly Migdall (@carlymigdall) June 6, 2016
Brown, exec editor at Harper’s Bazaar, hit Twitter to respond personally to the backlash, since many suggested that she shouldn’t have asked the question at all.
Hi guys. I asked the question I was given and Miss Hawaii answered beautifully. @MissUSA ❤️
— Laura Brown (@laurabrown99) June 6, 2016
