Kira Kazantsev Hazing Controversy: Miss America 2015 Slams Accusations & Opens Up About Investigation [WATCH VIDEO]
Kira Kazantsev's life changed when she crowned Miss America less than 10 days ago, but it didn't take long for some controversy to begin. The New York native caught some bad press when Jezebel reported on Monday that she was kicked out of Hofstra University's Alpha Phi sorority for harshly hazing pledges as the head of recruitment. However, Kazantsev visited Good Morning America on Tuesday morning to tell her part of the story.
Five Facts To Know About Kira Kazantsev
"These allegations, first of all, they are just not true and I'm incredibly hurt that someone has said these things," she said. "Under the broad definition of hazing, yes, I was involved with some of those activities while I was at Hofstra and I came in as an impressionable freshman. Everyone wants to be a part of something. And, at the time, unfortunately, that was just the culture of the university."
Kazantsev, who said she was also hazed to gain entry into her sorority, revealed that some of the tactics she implemented on the newcomers included sleepless nights and other "menial tasks."
See Photos of Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluri
The 23-year-old also explained why her sorority asked her to leave in April 2013. She explained that she received an email asking her to put together an event and in her response, Kazantsev recalled joking that they would "make the evening scary for the pledges," something she insists wasn't her intention. The joke, she said, was taking out of context and led to her removal.
"Yes I was involved under the broad definition of hazing at some point," added Kazantsev, who also said she looks down upon hazing now. "But, never ever in a million years what this is claiming to hold."
Despite the controversy, the Miss America organization said it looks forward to Kazantsev's big year ahead.
"Kira has been fully transparent with the Miss America Organization about her termination from the Alpha Phi sorority," a spokesperson said in a statement. "It's unfortunate that this incident has been exploited to create a storyline that distracts from what we should be focusing on: Kira's impressive academic achievements at Hofstra University, including earning a triple major from the Honors College and her commitment to serving her community. Kira is an exceptional ambassador for the Miss America Organization, and we are excited to be a part of her journey as a force for good across our nation, promoting education and service and working to empower young women."