Nina Davuluri crowned Miss America 2014 amidst a barrage of racist tweets

Miss New York Nina Davuluri was last night crowned Miss America.

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by Jessica Anais Rach |
Published on

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.

Some twitter trolls appeared confused to say the least

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.’

Nina didn't let the backlash dampen her spirit

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.’

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