Many of you may recognize the name Rima Fakih because she’s the gorgeous b

runette who won the title of Miss Michigan 2010 and subsequently secured the title of Miss USA 2010. You may also recognize her name because immediately after being crowned, Rima was thrown into a media scandal involving pole dancing photos that many pageant officials deemed inappropriate.

Needless to say, her controversial behavior didn’t end after the photo scandal. Miss Universe Organization President Paula Shugart told Fox News this week that she asked pageant officials to look into an incident involving Rima. Paula claimed that the 25-year-old title holder violated pageant protocol after video surveillance tapes of her returning home at 4am one morning surfaced.

Regardless of the controversy surrounding her, Rima remains positive and proud of what she’s accomplished during her reign as Miss USA 2010.

“I have to admit, I’ve had a few hiccups during my year, and at times I’ve learned my lessons,” she told Robin Roberts. “I think I’ve grown so much this year. I’m proud to say that I am giving up my crown on June 19. And that I still have the crown.”

“A lot of people don’t understand that Miss USA is just a real woman,” Fakih said Monday. “She’s a real human being who has her own opinion, who’s an adult and can make some mature decisions.

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“Staying out late, if you have work the next day, you should be responsible. But you have to look on the bright side: I wasn’t doing anything illegal.”

Good point, Rima! That’s more than we can say for some of the previous Miss USA contestants – we won’t mention any names but you know who you are!

The Miss USA 2011 pageant airs this Sunday, June 19 from 9-11 EST.

Source: Pageantism.com