A new beauty pageant scandal has broken out, but this one has nothing to do with naked photos or a contestant's stance on gay marriage.Jenna Talackova - a 23-year old who was born a man, but who underwent gender reassignment surgery at the age of 19 - has been disqualified from Miss Universe Canada because, according to a statement from the organization, she does not "meet the requirements to compete, despite having stated otherwise on her entry form."
Producers added that they do respect Talackova's "goals, determination and wish her the best."
"I am very disappointed with the decision taken by the Miss Universe ... organizers," Talackova said in a statement released today. "However, I will look to turn this situation into a positive so that other people in a similar situation are not discriminated against in the future."
Denis Davila, the director of the event, says there are rules in place that make it clear one must be born a woman in order to compete. Jenna, he says, indicated on her original registration that she was female, only to later explain her unusual situation.
Reactions to the decision have been mixed with over 20,000 signatures on a change.org petition to reverse the pageant ruling.
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