Indian-American Nina Davuluri's crowning victory at the Miss America 2014 beauty pageant on Sunday has sparked off a string of racist comments online.
The 24-year-old woman, who represents New York, became the second consecutive winner from the city. In the talent round of the competition, Daluvuri had performed to an Indian classical dance infused with Bollywood dance moves.
But what really made headlines were the nasty comments on Davuluri's Indian heritage.
At the press conference post her victory, the winner said, "I'm so happy this organisation has embraced diversity," adding "I'm thankful there are children watching at home who can finally relate to a new Miss America."
The young aspiring doctor further revealed that she would apply to a medical school with the $50,000 scholarship that she won in the pageant.
Davuluri seemed unfazed when asked on the harsh comments which had termed her an 'Arab', 'Muslim' and even a 'Terrorist.'
"I have to rise above that," said the determined pageant winner who practices Hinduism. "I always viewed myself as first and foremost American."
As a part of the backlash, one Twitter user posted a highly racist comment that said, ""WHEN WILL A WHITE WOMAN WIN #MISSAMERICA? Ever??!!"
Another user questioned the winner's origins saying, "If you're #Miss America you should have to be American," despite the fact that Miss Davuluru is an American citizen and hails from Syracuse in New York.
The resentful barges continued with,"How the **** does a foreigner win miss America? She is a Arab! #idiots" and "It's called Miss America. Get outta here New York you look like a terrorist. #bye #americanforamerica"
Even US President Barack Obama was not spared from the barrage of comments. "Well they just picked a Muslim for Miss America. That must've made Obama happy. Maybe he had a vote," read one comment.
However, there were many extending support to the nation's first Indian-origin pageant holder and in the process expressed their disgust at the overtly hateful comments.
"I can't believe people are tweeting racist things about our new crowned Miss America! People like that need to vanish. #MissAmerica" said one Twitter user in disgust.
"I'm not going to click on #MissAmerica. I could do without a whole bunch of racism directed at brown people right now. Thanks," another person said.
Extending support, drummer Questlove Jenkins said, "i think its amazing that @NinaDavuluri was crowned Miss America. THIS is the american story."
Meanwhile, Davuluri's grandmother V Koteshwaramma expressed delight over her win.
The 89-year-old, who lives in Andhra Pradesh, told Associated Press, "I am very, very, happy for the girl. It was her dream and it was fulfilled."
