Olivia Culpo
Image Reuters

Olivia Culpo, Miss Universe 2012, is involved in a legal predicament after she posed in front of the Taj Mahal without the proper permission from the Archeological Survey of India (ASI). Now that controversial photo session could land the 21-year-old in jail for two years if she is found guilty. Reports indicate the beauty queen did not want to partake in the fashion shoot that took place during an October 6 visit. The ASI filed a police complaint after Culpo modeled pairs of shoes at the Diana Seat with the world wonder as a backdrop without the proper credentials from the city. "I mean, I'm an employee of the Miss Universe organization and following directions given to me. I guess their vision was, 'What's better to identify India than the Taj Mahal?' Culpo told Providence Journal. "But unfortunately it's something that was highly offensive. Honestly, I did say out loud at one point, 'Isn't this a little inappropriate?'"

"I was given directions to pose with the shoes and, honestly, 5-inch heels on a 10-inch bench in 90-degree weather -- you know, I didn't want to do it," the mode added. "It's upsetting to me that I was a part of that. It's really upsetting because I loved my visit to India, and I would love nothing more than to go back, even in the near future." The Miss Universe Organization released a statement explaining the incident that read: "The Miss Universe Organization would like to extend its deepest apologies to the people of India for the incident involving reigning Miss Universe, Olivia Culpo, which occurred at the Taj Mahal this past Sunday. Throughout her reign, the Miss Universe Organization continually creates video diaries of our titleholder to keep fans and sponsors up to date on her travels and to share in the experience. As part of these videos, we sometimes incorporate sponsors into these shoots. 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. We sincerely apologize for any unintentional harm our indiscretion and insensitivity may have caused."

The ASI bans commercial activity at the Taj Mahal, which is a World Heritage Site. Culpo and everyone else involved in the photo session could be jailed for up to two years and fined $1,600 if found guilty, Police Inspector Sushant Guar said. He also said that the beauty queen modeled for photographers wearing one sandal, holding another in her hand and keeping another pair on the bench she was sitting on. Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe in 2012 in the pageant that took place in Las Vegas. The Rhode Island native had been a Donald Trump favorite since the beginning. During the Q&A session, former Miss Universe, Ximena Navarrete asked the hopeful, "What is something you have done that you would never do again?" Culpo replied, "Every experience no matter what it is, good or bad, you'll learn from it." This answer is perfectly fitting for this case and we are sure that Miss Culpo is learning a lot from this experience.

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