SAN DIEGO - Miss California Carrie Prejean says a website has posted racy photos of her in an attempt to belittle her Christianity.
"Recently, photos taken of me as a teenager have been released surreptitiously to a tabloid website that openly mocks me for my Christian faith," Prejean said Tuesday in a statement.
"I am not perfect, and I will never claim to be. But these attacks on me and others who speak in defence of traditional marriage are intolerant and offensive."
A photo of Prejean wearing only pink panties with her back turned to the camera appeared Monday on a gossip blog.
In explaining the photos, Prejean said, "I am a Christian, and I am a model. Models pose for pictures, including lingerie and swimwear photos."
Prejean, 21, of San Diego, was named the first runner-up to Miss North Carolina in the Miss USA pageant April 19. Her response to a question about legalizing same-sex marriage may have cost her the title.
