Miss USA Sarah Rose Summers has a sunny outlook on her future.
The 24-year-old beauty queen from Nebraska is engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Connor Combs, who proposed the same night she moved on to the semi-finals of the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand, on Dec. 17.
“I knew Thailand would change my life, but what I did not realize was that it would also be where I begin a new lifelong journey,” she shared on Instagram, captioning a photo with Combs.
“On Dec 17, not only did I represent my country on an international stage, but I also said yes to forever with my best friend. I cannot stop hugging on my fiancé, staring at my ring, and smiling thinking about it.”
The engagement comes after Summers was slammed for comments caught on video about Miss Vietnam H’Hen Niê and Miss Cambodia Rern Sinat not understanding English.
In a video captured by Miss Colombia Valeria Morales, Summers asked and then answered, “What do you think of Miss Vietnam Nie?”
“She’s so cute and she pretends to know so much English, and then you ask her a question after having a whole conversation with her and she goes [smiles and nods],” Summers said, chuckling. She added, “She’s adorable.”
Summers repeated her impression of Nie upon Morales’ request.
Later in the video, Summers expressed sympathy for Rern not knowing English.
“Miss Cambodia is here and doesn’t speak any English and not a single other person speaks her language. Can you imagine? [Miss Australia] Francesca [Hung] said ‘That would be so isolating,’ and I said, ‘Yes, and just confusing all the time.’ Poor Cambodia.”
Summers immediately sparked backlash on social media over her remarks. Many were upset not just at Summers’ words and actions, but at how she portrayed America on the global stage.
Reps for Miss Universe declined Fox News’ request for comment at the time, but Summers spoke out in a contrite statement on Instagram — accompanied by a photo of herself, Rern and Niê in a group hug with some other contestants.
“@MissUniverse is an opportunity for women from around the world to learn about each other’s cultures, life experiences, and views. We all come from different backgrounds and can grow alongside one another,” she wrote.
“In a moment where I intended to admire the courage of a few of my sisters, I said something that I now realize can be perceived as not respectful, and I apologize. My life, friendships, and career revolve around me being a compassionate and empathetic woman,” she continued. “I would never intend to hurt another. I am grateful for opportunities to speak with Nat, Miss Cambodia, and H’Hen, Miss Vietnam, directly about this experience. These are the moments that matter most to me.”