Shooting at Taj Mahal: Miss Universe Olivia Culpo apologises

, Oct 11:

Olivia Culpo, who faced criticism for a photo shoot at

, regretted her act. The organisers of the shoot extended their "deepest apologies" to India.

Officials of the photo shoot organiser were quoted as saying, "The Miss Universe Organization would like to extend its deepest apologies to the people of India for the incident involving the reigning Miss Universe."

"We sincerely apologise for any unintentional harm our indiscretion and insensitivity may have caused," the added.

Agra Police filed a legal case against Culpo and the organisers for allegedly conducting an unauthorised footwear fashion shoot at the Taj Mahal. Heavy fine might be imposed on the 21-year-old Miss Universe if she is found guilty.

The Ms Universe Organization would like to extend its deepest apologies to India

American-orgin Culpo visited Taj Mahal on Sunday, Oct 6 during her 10-day India tour. One police official was quoted as saying, "We have registered a case against Ms Culpo and her team members after receiving a complaint."

NK Pathak from the Agra unit of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), meanwhile, was quoted as saying, "There are strict guidelines against any sort of branding and promotion at Taj Mahal and the photo shoot conducted was without any prior permission."

Visitors must take off their shoes while visiting the monument, an Islamic mausoleum built for the late wife of Mughal ruler Shah Jahan and completed in 1648. Footwear is allowed in the garden area where the Diana Seat is located. Taj caretaker Munazzar Ali revealed the real story behind the controversy regarding Culpo.

Speaking to the daily MidDay, Ali said, "The sandals from a bag she carried were taken and placed on the Diana Seat for shooting pictures, which is not permitted by the ASI. It also amounts to disrespect and insult."

OneIndia News