By: Elizabeth Lopez
Former Miss California USA Carrie Prejean sued pageant officials for libel, slander and religious discrimination, accusing them of telling her to stop mentioning God. Prejean sued California pageant executive director Keith Lewis and former Miss USA Shanna Moakler after she was fired in June by pageant officials who claimed it was a result of her missing several scheduled appearances. Prejean claims that it was “not true and that she was ousted because of her controversial remarks.”
She was named first runner-up and many believe that she lost her shot at the crown because of her answer regarding her religious views and gay marriage. Prejean’s attorney found no proof that Prejean missed any events nor were “there any contract violations,” he said.
The lawsuit claims that Lewis and Moakler both told Prejean not to mention God on her Miss USA application or at public events. Moakler’s attorney said in a statement that Prejean’s lawsuit was without merit, however for her love of God Prejean looks forward to proving that she did nothing wrong in a court of law.
Leeds, Morelli & Brown is always available to advise you about your First Amendment rights regarding the freedom of religious expression.
For any questions, contact an attorney at the Leeds Morelli & Brown, PC for a free consultation at 1-800-585-4658.