During her first press conference in Atlantic City, Davuluri voiced her delight, explaining:

‘I’m so happy this organisation has embraced diversity. I’m thankful there are children watching at home who can finally relate to a new Miss America.’

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But the 24-year-old’s excitement was marred by an onslaught of abuse via Twitter, with trolls – possessing a rather embarrassing lack of geographical knowledge- responding with shocking and ignorant tweets.

‘And the Arab wins Miss America. Classic,’ one user wrote.

‘How the f**k does a foreigner win miss America? She is a Arab! #idiots,’ another added.

‘9/11 was 4 days ago and she gets miss America,’ said another user.

But other followers quickly jumped to the new Miss America’s defence, referring to the country’s Native American history and responding:

‘I wasn’t aware only Caucasians are considered 'American'.

And a Facebook user on the Miss America page replied:

‘These were some of the most ignorant responses I've ever seen:-If she’s Indian, she’s probably Hindu, not Muslim, though whatever her religion is, I don't see where that makes her a terrorist. The president IS American, but the definition of America is a melting pot of cultures. I guess people forget that. Congratulations Nina.’

And Davuluri, an aspiring doctor, also rose above the comments, responding today:

‘I have to rise above that. I always viewed myself as first and foremost American.’