Olivia Culpo, Miss Universe 2012, is now walking on thin ice after Indian police filed a case against the American beauty for her unauthorized Oct. 6 photo shoot that used Taj Mahal as backdrop.
The Hindustan Times reported Monday that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials have filed a police complaint against Olivia Culpo and her group for the footwear photo shoot at the marble ledge called "the Diana Seat" on the grounds of the Taj Mahal.
According to the Huffington Post, the shoot where Culpo modeled for was realized without an authorization permit from ASI. Moreover, it is widely known in India that commercial activity at the famous world wonder is strictly prohibited. Now, Cuplo and her team could possibly face two years in jail of proven guilty.
"The sandals from a bag she carried were taken and placed on the Diana Seat for shooting pictures, which is not permitted by the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India)," Munazzar Ali, a Taj Majal caretaker, told India's Mid-Day paper. "It also amounts to disrespect and insult."
The filed case against Olivia Culpo and her others who took part in the photo shoot could lead to a two-year imprisonment and a fine of $1,600 if proven guilty, Police Inspector Sushant Gaur said.
The 21-year-old Miss Universe opened up about the issue today, saying, "I mean, I'm an employee of the Miss Universe organization and following directions given to me."
"I guess their vision was, 'What's better to identify India than the Taj Mahal?' But unfortunately it's something that was highly offensive. Honestly, I did say out loud at one point, 'Isn't this a little inappropriate?'" she told the Providence Journal.
Culpo also said that she was really upset about the incident for she really loved her visit to the country, adding that she even plans to return to India in the near future.
The Huffington Post reported that the Miss Universe Organization apologized for the incident Wednesday and explained that although titleholders make promotional videos and shoots during their reign, these materials are not meant for commercial use more so to be a sign of disrespect to the Taj Mahal.
"As part of these videos, we sometimes incorporate sponsors into these shoots," the organization said in a statement. "The filming that took place outside the Taj Mahal was never intended to be used as a commercial nor was it meant in any way to be disrespectful."
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