Thursday, August 12 2010
National director for the Miss TT Universe franchise, Ian Lee yesterday stood by the current title holder, LaToya Woods who has sparked controversy by posing for topless photographs in an official photo shoot for the pageant to be held on August 23.
Reports and pictures from the photo shoot surfaced Tuesday night on the US entertainment news show, Access Hollywood. Woods posed topless with her eyes closed and body paint covering her chest and right arm. The picture used with the report was blurred across the chest.
Speaking to Newsday yesterday, Lee said while the local franchise was aware of the photo shoot, they were not aware of the nature of the event.
“So LaToya would have been put on the spot and she would have had to make a decision,” he explained.
He added however that the shoot was not a nude one which is what he believed was being sensationalised.
“It was not a nude shoot. It was a closed set, body paint and latex paint were applied and her nipples were covered with pasties which is very popular with women around Carnival time.
LaToya would have been very comfortable in the atmosphere given we have Carnival in the streets and as of late it has been revealing. She would have experienced no discomfort and she set herself apart from those who chose to go that route,” he said.
Lee said while he understood the displeasure of those who did not agree with her choice, he viewed it as artistic.
“I do not dismiss anybody and by no means we can please everyone. I do hear the complaints but I still think she is still a good role model. It is art. She has grown up doing art and this is another form of art given the photographer chosen to do this. I am sure they (Ms Universe) would not use amateurs and it was cleverly done,” he said.
Woods, in a note posted yesterday afternoon on her page on the social networking Web site Facebook, reassured her fans she was not bare-chested at the shoot but wore pasties and body paint.
“It was blurred on television that led to the mass misconception. Secondly, I was extremely comfortable and this was all held within the confines of the Ms Universe Organisation and sanctioned by them and their staff. I understand there is concern but I promise this was tastefully done. Just wait until you see the official photos!” she wrote.
In a release from the Prime Minister’s office, Government assured they were monitoring the situation.
Government was advised by Lee and Wood’s team that the set was closed and her chest was covered by paint and pasties and the image which will be used eventually will be retouched to “create a dreamlike effect .”
“The Miss Universe Pageant has always maintained the highest standards of propriety and will not present images of their contestants that are not in good taste or which will tarnish the reputation of the young women participating in the pageant,” the release said.
Courtesy of Newsday
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