Miss Universe May Face Jail Time Over Taj Mahal Photography Session

Miss Universe May Face Jail Time Over Taj Mahal Photography Session

Olivia Culpo, the 21-year-old Rhode Island native who was crowned Miss Universe 2012, is in hot water over a recent photo shoot at the Taj Mahal. The controversial footwear photography shoot has led to an investigation by Indian authorities, which may result in two years of prison time for Culpo and a fine of 100,000 rupees – or $1,600 – if she is found guilty.

Officials from the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) announced their plans to file a formal complaint against Miss Universe for her Oct. 6 visit to the Taj Mahal because of a footwear photo shoot that took place on the grounds. The pageant winner modeled several pairs of shoes at the marble ledge of the site, known as the Diana Seat. Any type of commercial activity – including formal photo shoots, filming, or other events covered under entertainment law provisions – that take place on the world wonder’s site must be cleared by the ASI before being carried out.

“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,” Taj caretaker Munazzar Ali told an Indian newspaper. “It also amounts to disrespect and insult.”

However, Culpo has expressed her own discontent with the shoot, and noted that she is an employee of the Miss Universe organization and therefore under their orders and instruction. This could raise legal questions about who is at fault in the case. The organization also released a statement apologizing for the shoot, but separating itself from the commercial element of the event.

“As part of these videos, we sometimes incorporate sponsors into these shoots,” the statement read. “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.”