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25jun06 A BRISBANE model named Miss Universe Australia two weeks ago may lose her crown after calls for her to be stripped of the title because of a topless photo shoot.
Furious officials yesterday said Erin McNaught was not fit to wear the crown after topless pictures of her were published in men's magazine Zoo Weekly.
The 24-year-old, who is studying for a science degree at the Queensland University of Technology, posed for the photos before she was crowned this month.
Hoping to follow in the footsteps of Australian Jennifer Hawkins, Ms McNaught is overseas having dress fittings for the international beauty pageant.
But one of the competition's judges, Jonathan Westbrook, of Perth, wants her stripped of the title and says judges were unaware she had posed for the pictures.
Mr Westbrook said Perth's Leah Fuhrmann should be awarded the title.
He said Ms McNaught was not fit to hold the title and accused her of "dragging the contest into the gutter".
"She is not the sort of wholesome role model we are looking for," he said.
Pageant co-ordinator Deborah Miller said Ms McNaught had set a bad example and did not deserve to retain the title.
"Yes, I do believe she should have the crown taken from her," Ms Miller said. "She's not a role model for young girls."
But pageant director and licensee Jim Davie believes Ms McNaught has done nothing wrong.
Mr Davie did not return calls to The Sunday Mail yesterday but left a message on Mr Westbrook's voicemail saying that regardless of the photos, Ms McNaught would represent Australia at the international competition, to be judged in Los Angeles on July 23.
"I can assure you that it's my decision and she's going," he said.
"She's done nothing, in my view, that is beyond her representing us."
Another pageant judge, photographer Grant Good, endorsed Mr Davie's view. "The shots were very tastefully done, and in any case they were taken before she became Miss Universe Australia," Mr Good said.
"They certainly don't contravene any rules or regulations."
Ms McNaught's mother Lin said organisers were aware of the photo shoot before the judging.
"The national director knew about the photographs before Erin was even appointed Miss Australia. He didn't have a problem with it," Mrs McNaught said.
She said Erin was overseas preparing for the Miss Universe final and was yesterday having a dress fitting for the event.
"She's fine. The contracts have been signed, it's all done and dusted."
Friends rallied behind Ms McNaught yesterday, saying she had been a model ambassador.
"Erin is a great girl. What she's won, she's won on her own merit. For those photographs to come out, it's a disappointment but I wouldn't be taking the crown from her," said a friend, a fashion industry businessman.
"She did those photographs a long time ago.
"For them to come out now, I guess that shows what happens when you become a celebrity."
www.thesundaymail.news.com.au
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