Kira Kazantsev was crowned 2015's Miss America just over a week ago. Since then, rumors have swirled about why exactly she was kicked out of her sorority at Hofstra University in 2013.
Jezebel broke the story Monday, saying the 23-year-old was kicked out Alpha Phi sorority on the Hofstra campus for hazing. She was reportedly the sorority's recruitment committee president at the time.
However, all the information the outlet gathered is from unnamed people. The story cites an anonymous "tipster" who is "close to Kazantsev" who said:
"Under Kira's supervision ... pledges in the incoming class were called names and made to perform physical tasks to the point of bruising and exhaustion."
Kazantsev sat down with ABC Tuesday and denied these specific allegations.
"Yes, I was involved under the broad definition of hazing at some point, but never, ever in a million years what this is claiming to hold."
She also stated that at the time, it was just the culture at Hofstra University. She says she was hazed as a freshman and describes her experience:
"It included something like you'd stand in a line and basically recite information or a few sleepless nights crafting."
Which is a little different from the "tipster's" descriptions.
Kazantsev wrote on her blog Tuesday, revealing the real reason she got kicked out of her sorority was because of a joke in an email to alumnae.
"In the email, I joked that we could make the evening scary for the pledges. That statement was a joke – we never intended to actually engage in the wrongful behavior that I have been accused of."
This isn't the first time Kazantsev has experienced media controversy regarding her past.
Many outlets highlighted support for and opposition to her past internship for Planned Parenthood.
The organization even created a page on its website to send her a message of support.
One thing is for sure – when you're in the spotlight, you're really in the spotlight.
