Miss USA judge takes down blog post after death threats
After the judging the Miss USA Contest at Planet Hollywood, Alicia Jacobs, a local entertainment reporter and former Miss Nevada USA, took to her blog to discuss her vote. Her candid account included her thoughts on Miss California's answer to the question Perez Hilton put to her on whether all states should legalize same-sex marriage. Jacobs wrote:
"If Carrie Prejean is against gay marriage, she certainly has that right, but, if it was her intention to be MISS USA (and I think it was) why not answer that question with diplomacy & heart? Sometimes, (pageants & politics, to name a few) we have to be mindful of using a platform in a hurtful way, like international television (The Miss USA PAGEANT was seen by over 7 million viewers in the U.S. alone, & in at least 121 different countries) Yes, Miss USA should be beautiful, be physically fit, & look great in a swimsuit, she also has to be able to think on her feet & answer any question thrown at her in an articulate & non-offensive manner. Outwardly, Miss California was wonderfully prepared, & in many ways, she looked the part of Miss USA. It has occurred to me that the all-knowing power of the Universe took over the final 15 minutes of the Miss USA telecast. What were the odds that Perez Hilton, an openly gay man, who insisted on writing his own question, would have his name randomly selected by Miss California? Thank goodness, or thank the universe for this occurrence...how horrible if Miss California USA's lack of good judgement had not been disclosed until it was too late? Maybe it's true, & maybe everything really does happen for a reason. It is my opinion that MISS USA must have social grace.... Miss California USA does not. "
This entry is no longer on her blog because of death threats she says she received. I reached Alicia Jacobs by phone an hour ago. We talked about her experience being a judge for Miss USA and the strange aftermath of the pageant:
Richard Abowitz: Have you ever gotten death threats in your career before?
Alicia Jacobs: Never. This was a first, I am sad to say.
Q: Do you think the threats are from your blog item or from judging?
A: It is hard to second-guess something that is still so shocking to me. But I think they originated with the blog entry.
Q: Were the death threats what made you decide to take the blog item down?
A: I am going to be honest with you. I am an entertainment reporter, and I am not an investigative reporter and I am not used to being in that environment. Some reporters probably get death threats every day. For me, it scared me. I discussed it with my station and they have been beyond supportive and I am very grateful for that. We decided at least for the time being I would take it down. There is something else up there now which I wrote last night, and that is how I am going to keep it for now. And, believe it or not, I am still getting negative responses and I am shocked. Where are these people coming from?
Q: Do you think Perez Hilton's question was appropriate?
A: I think Perez's question was very appropriate. The questions were supposed to be topical and about something going on in the world today. And I think every one of those questions fit that description.
Q: Did Miss California give a wrong answer, a bad answer or both?
A: I am of the philosophy that you cannot give a wrong answer or you have to go really out of your way to give a wrong answer. I honestly did not judge her on the content of her answer. First of all, she did not answer the question that Perez asked. She went off on her own tangent and personalized it. She didn't follow directions, which is one problem with what she did. And I didn't feel she articulated her response very well. That is what the questions are designed for: to see how these women think on their feet in a stressful situation.
Q: Do you think there was a way she could have expressed her opposition to same-sex marriage that would not have hurt her chances of winning?
A: Absolutely. It is all in the music. You can get your point across without offending people. You can be sensitive and still answer the question.
Q: Some people have said you and the other judges expected her to lie about her beliefs.
A: No. I would never want someone to lie. The whole point of the question is to show a person's personality and character. I wish she would have handled it with more social grace and sensitivity.
Q: Do you regret judging Miss USA?
A: I don't regret being a judge for one second. I have wanted to judge that contest for years. Having been a contestant, it is the greatest honor when you are invited back to sit in that judge's seat. It was a dream come true. I am not going to let these people who want to send negative messages ruin that. I am still thrilled at the experience. I had the best time.
(Courtesy photo KVBC)
Well, when you, Alicia, in your blog, indicates that Ms.CA should be lying for "political correctness" to appease some silly judges to get the crown, how can you make me believe that you are honest anyway? Are you lying now for your "political correctness"?
I don't know. You just don't deserve my trust. Thank you.
Posted by: wj | April 23, 2009 at 10:19 PM
Hollywood entertainment industry are you listening Mainstream America agrees with her and its a MAJORITY .. every person who has come out against has been surprised at the backlash from the rest of the country, even Donald Trump admitted all the emails calls were overwhellmingly infavor of her stance.. you all ned to get off you hi horse and realize the reason Prop 8 won had nothing to do with out of state money or bad ads, it had to do with us saying a person makes a CHOICE to be a HOMOSEXUAL, why are we going to give them a special privledge? Choice Does NOT make you a Minority stop trying to claim your one . American does not believe it only those who live in the Hollywood Fantasy world
Posted by: E G | April 23, 2009 at 10:44 PM
Miss California could have answered Hilton's question this way: "No, I do not think every state should follow suit because I believe that a traditional marriage is between a man and a woman. However, I am in no position to decide whether all states should follow suit since as a future Miss USA, it is my job not to be a politician but to be someone who represents and inspires the women and the troops, and I think it's great that the states get to decide for themselves." There! Hilton would have given her a higher score than 0.
Posted by: Miwa | April 24, 2009 at 12:07 AM
Miss NC is a good winner... and I Miss Cali could have answered it much better... I hope Miss Cali verbalizes that sentiment herself...
I actually do think she answered the question... she just doesn't presuppose the same public-private distinctions you do... it's better to talk about social practices and not "rights"...
Posted by: yarrrr | April 24, 2009 at 02:17 AM
The GOP needs a sore loser spreading hate as its queen. Let's try to think of this not so much as someone who crashed and burned the way that the GOP does in elections, but more as someone who can make a lot of money spreading hate the way that the GOP does on the radio.
Posted by: zorg | April 24, 2009 at 03:07 AM
Perez Hilton NEVER expected to get the answer he received you can tell by his reaction. Ms Jacobs, and others who criticize Miss California are wrong for doing so. She was asked what she believes, and she answered. It was not what they wanted to hear and THAT is why she lost.
Had she answered yes, that contest would have been over. Hilton's response on his blog sounded like my 3 year old when she is told no (with foul language).
I have no doubt Gay Marriage is coming to California, but it will be by Federal Mandate not popular opinion. Homosexuals, and their liberal friends in office will see to it. It does not make it right, or any less a sin. You are free to choose to be homosexual, just as we are all free to make horrible decisions, but just because you want it to be right does not mean it will ever be so.
Posted by: Wayne Altman | April 24, 2009 at 03:10 AM
The gays and lesbian they are trying to force thei belief to the majority of the country. You gays can seat there and claim that you are normal until you turn blue , but there is nothing normal having sex where you defecate. I dont care what you do in the privacy of your bedroom but do not broadcast calling your union " Marriage" its an insult to mankind and as an independent voter I fully agree with Carrie's answer
Posted by: reality check | April 24, 2009 at 03:10 AM
The idea that one "chooses" to be a homosexual is utter nonsense. Even those espousing this view don't even really believe it. It is a fraud that they perpetrate to justify their bigoted irrational ideologies. If it were true that homosexuality was a choice then tell me why people think they can detect that a child is gay years before puberty? When I came out to my mother at the age of 21 she confessed to me that she has known I was gay since I was 4 years old. This is a very common occurrence. I find it interesting that the very traits that a gay child expresses, the traits that reveal his homosexuality, tend to be qualities that society says that admire. These traits include an unusual sensitivity, gentleness, kindness and caring. Often the child is gifted, artistic, creative, intelligence and insightful beyond their years. These are the very traits that get a gay child "singled" out for ostracism, cruel taunts, exclusion and violence. [Can you spell ENVY?] Can you people out there even begin to comprehend how painful and damaging this is against the happy healthy development of a social being? This identification often occurs many years before these child become sexual beings or are even aware of sexuality themselves. I became aware I wasn't like the other boys my first day of kindergarten. It took me 13 more years to identify what the core of the difference was. People who continue to perpetuate this myth are viciously self deluded and they're motives are grotesque.
Posted by: Chris Lieding | April 24, 2009 at 03:12 AM
The reason why she received death threats is simple: someone who disagrees with her viewpoint has not the wit nor the will to explain to her why they believe prejean is a good candidate. They must resort to violence to solve this answer and I've seen it time and time again in such situations that does not further the debate.
I don't believe in the war, don't believe in guns, and do not believe in "protecting the family". But I think it speaks volumes that those who believe in all these things have often resorted to violence, name calling and slander as well as saying God will judge you for your actions almost as though they cannot think of a better reason, one based on evidence, to back their findings. In the end, their actions make them just as cruel, zealous and blind as the religious terrorists they condemn.
For once I wish two people can argue like adults and honestly put aside any religion and cultural biases in order to work out the logic in the matter. To me, the politics makes it plain as day that one's personal opinions matters far less than the civil rights of the group. That in order to preserve the balance of peace one must learn not to offend.
Resorting to violence, slander and name-calling simply means you've folded intellectually.
Posted by: M. W. | April 24, 2009 at 03:43 AM
Miss California spoke for the vast majority of Americans who believe that marriage is a man and a woman. That belief accords with the teachers God gave us through the Tanach, Christian teachings, the Koran, and other religious and ethical traditions.
Radical homosexual activists are trying to hijack this country. They want to obtain from the courts what they cannot obtain at the ballot box.
Civil unions or other arrangements so that companions can visit their sick in hospitals, etc, fine.
"Marriages" so that homosexuals can get monetary benefits and other coverage due a spouse, no. Let them get jobs or otherwise qualify.
Posted by: Alan | April 24, 2009 at 03:52 AM
I'm a lesbian and think that Miss Prejean has every right to her own opinion on same-sex marriage. (She and Barack Obama are in agreement, by the way.)
Posted by: Carol Anne | April 24, 2009 at 04:21 AM
I am really wondering why a former "contestant" was judging in the first place. Alicia Jacobs never wore the crown & she didn't even come close to placing as high as Miss California did. My point is Alicia Jacobs may have been a very poor choice to be a judge as opposed to a former "Winner". It's all a very very ironic situation when you think about it. Alicia lost her bid to be Miss USA several years ago, & now she is judging why someone else is not fit to wear a crown she was not fit to wear either. I rest my case.
Posted by: Buzz | April 24, 2009 at 06:17 AM
Is anyone surprised that the pageant judge and not Miss Right Wing Poster Child is receiving the death threats?
Posted by: Informed | April 24, 2009 at 06:57 AM
Anytime someone gives their own opinion of something, it's personal. In light of all the hoopla that has been made of the CONTENT of Miss California's response (i.e. the aforementioned blog) it's really hard for me to believe that had no bearing on some of the judges' scores. I guess what they don't realize is that eveyone else is not a tool for Hollywood. We all have varying opinions, and a different perspective does not in and of itself make a person hateful or bigoted. Miss California's dilivery wasn't the best, but her opinion is her opinion, and their was nothing ungraceful or insensitive about what she said.
Posted by: monique | April 24, 2009 at 07:38 AM
Uh Oh - TRUMP IS SCOUTING FOR A NEW TROPHY WIFE!
Posted by: My Left Knut | April 24, 2009 at 10:23 AM
Nothing is more vindictive than a fruit with a sense of entitlement denied.
Posted by: Big Sam | April 24, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Miss California did nothing wrong. A question was asked (with an agenda) and a honest answer was given... One has to ask themselves, did Perez Hilton really want an answer.... why did he then ask a question he could have answered himself, if that was what he wanted. As Miss California stated, "We live in a country where we can make choices". Then why was she wrong with her answer.... Wasn't it "her choice".. We have the right to freedom of thought. When it continues to go in the direction that USA is going then we have become communist and have no more freedoms of thought or anything else. Personally I like the Brain the Lord gave me and it works, "I think"... Don't need people to tell me what to say or do...
Posted by: cuddlebear1 | April 24, 2009 at 12:38 PM
I'm amazed that so many people are completely missing the point of what Alicia Jacobs was saying. Maybe they didn't even read the article!
Alicia was not saying that there was any problem in Miss Prejean personally believing that marriage should only be for heterosexual couples, and she was not saying there was any problem in Miss Prejean saying what she believes.
What Alicia WAS saying is that Miss USA needs to be able to think on her feet and express herself in a diplomatic way, and that Miss Prejean did not do that.
If you don't believe that would have been possible, read the comment from Miwa on April 24 at 12:07am. He or she gives a perfect example of how Miss Prejean could have answered the question in a diplomatic way.
Posted by: KT | April 24, 2009 at 02:28 PM
WOW being gay is a choice just like being a hetero is... These responses are all full of hate. My love for another man does not need approval from these haters. They can dislike it all they want and keep that hate in their hearts and choke on it (and please don't say love the sinner and hate the sin because that is trying to hide that you're a bigot). But how dare these people try to make me a second class citizen. I pay taxes like everyone else and I should have the same (not special) rights as all the heteros. Now it can be said that I as a man can marry a women and have the same rights but that is bull because I cannot love a women since I AM GAY. Look at other countries that allow gays to marry and everything is fine. Everyone trying to prevent their fellow Americans that happen to be gay/lesbian from having the same rights should just go to the nearest mirror and slap them self silly. Oh and to all the haters respond to this bleep bleep bleep. Yeah I went there.
Posted by: tIM | April 24, 2009 at 04:08 PM
KT: You're absolutely right. Alicia did not judge the content of Prejean's response but how she articulated her opinion, and she did a horrible job. The anti-same-sex marriage postings on this thread really reek of shrillness. People should consider walking in the shoes of another before writing such vitriol. BTW, we don't live in a country where we can make choices especially when it comes to marriage. California voters took away choices.
Posted by: bennyinsf | April 24, 2009 at 04:19 PM
So you want her to LIE instead??
She answered honestly and with integrity. And to me and many others, whether we agree or disagree with her, it's excellent.
Posted by: Jill | April 24, 2009 at 05:25 PM
Well, some people overreact Alicia Jacobs, so if you don't want to stir up a hornets nest, maybe it's best to stick to entertainment reporting and not pontificate about what type of person Miss CA is. In other words, shut up.
Isn't this pageant is a stepping stone for women to get into entertainment anyway? So all the Hilton controversy did was give this woman 100 times the amount of exposure she would have had if she had actually won. So way to go Perez (the gay guy who likes to draw obscene pictures on celebrity photos for some reason) Hilton, you helped her and showed your hypocrisy at the same time by voting against a contestant for giving an honest answer, just because you didn't like her response. The irony of gays using this as an example of right wing conservative hate is hilarious.
Posted by: Tom | April 24, 2009 at 11:12 PM
It has almost become a cliche to claim you get death threats these days. It makes one get sympathy as a supposed "victim." Never heard of Jacobs before now, but she gets famous by play-acting the victim. Notice Jacobs is falling all over herself trying to be a victim, and Hilton is hustling to be viewed as a victim. Who should get the victim of the day award? The only one not killing themselves to be portrayed as a victim is Prejean. That's why I think she has the most integrity. She just says what she believes with courage and doesn't undermine her integrity by playing the victim.
By the way, watch who becomes the real victim as the hatred from the gay community and the media will be unleashed on Prejean. Watch who the REAL haters will be. But Prejean has courage and doesn't portray herself as the victim. So she's my hero of the day.
Posted by: baptiste | April 24, 2009 at 11:31 PM
Hey, I have a suggestion regarding the issue of gay marriages-------when you die and stand before the Creator of man and woman, ask HIM who was right ? Actually, you should do this before you die------His Holy Bible states His opinion very clearly ! And, when you stand before Him, HE ALONE has the "FINAL ANSWER". Then, you can't say----"Oops, I was wrong I guess " because it will be too late to defend yourself ! Then, you just have to suffer the consequences for your wrong opinion ! Stop trying to convince everyone that being in gay relationships is normal like a relationship between a man and a woman because God made us all-----if He had approved of a man with a man or a woman with a woman, He would have made the first couple be "Adam and Andy" or "Eve and Ethel" rather than Adam and Eve as He did ! It doesn't take much intelligence to figure that one out-----He gave us the way it is supposed to be from the start of creation ! From what I know about HIM, HE changes not !
I do not hate gays. I know they are to be treated with respect, but I cannot and will not bow to their demand that we acknowledge that their lifestyle is normal and okay because then I would be condoning this sin. I am not being "holier than thou" because I sin in many ways myself----but, this is a sin that you practice daily over and over which means you are making this your decision to sin. Of course, God will forgive sins of any kind when you ask Him, but a habitual sin means you were not really sorry for the sin which means He will not forgive you if you are not truly sorry ! I just pray you will wake up and realize that this is a serious thing you are doing and promoting----before it is too late ! Eternity is forever----is the lifestyle here for a few short years worth an eternity in hell ?
Posted by: J. Osb | April 25, 2009 at 06:08 AM
My comments have already been typed, but it did not go through
Posted by: J. Osb | April 25, 2009 at 06:12 AM