Miss California Carrie Prejean has released a statement about the topless photo of her (with allegedly more to come) that surfaced yesterday, in which she says "I am a model. Models pose for pictures." She then continues her attack on marriage equality.
Watch Today's report with Miss USA Judge Alicia Jacobs, AFTER THE JUMP…
"On April 19, I chose to answer a question during the 2009 Miss USA pageant in an honest and personal manner that expressedmy views of the long-established definition of marriage as beingbetween a man and a woman. That answer, and my commitment to stand bymy beliefs, has since resulted in attacks on me and my integrity as awoman. We live in a great country; a nation that was built on freedomof speech and freedom of religion. Yet my comments defendingtraditional marriage have led to intimidation tactics that seek toundermine my reputation and somehow silence me and my beliefs, as ifopinion is only a one-way street.
"I am a Christian, and I am a model. Models pose for pictures,including lingerie and swimwear photos. Recently, photos taken of me asa teenager have been released surreptitiously to a tabloid Web sitethat openly mocks me for my Christian faith. I am not perfect, and Iwill never claim to be. But these attacks on me and others who speak indefense of traditional marriage are intolerant and offensive. While wemay not agree on every issue, we should show respect for others'opinions and not try to silence them through vicious and mean-spiritedattacks.
"With that in mind, I will continue to support and defend marriageas the honorable institution it is. I will continue to stand with theoverwhelming majority of the American people and the voters of my homestate of California. If this whole experience hastaught me anything, it is our precious right to speak freely, and howwe as Americans can never allow anyone or any group to intimidate orthreaten us to keep silent."
This morning, the Today show confirmed the topless photos with Miss USA judge Alicia Jacobs.
Watch it, AFTER THE JUMP…