Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluri Endures Racist Remarks Following Win

Credit: ABC

Nina Davuluri made history last night, becoming the first woman of Indian descent to be crowned Miss America. However, it hasn't been the happiest celebration for Miss America 2014, as Davuluri has had to endure racist remarks in response to her win, USA Today reports.

Attacks on Davuluri hit social media websites around the web following the 24-year-old's win. One comment referred to her as "the Arab," while another excitedly declared "This is America, not India." One poster even went as far as to call her "Miss 7-11." Meanwhile, others complained about an Indian woman being crowned Miss America this close to 9/11, with the comments only getting worse from there, as some even implied Davuluri has ties to al-Qaeda. One particularly incendiary tweet called her a "terrorist" outright.

Tumblr collected many of these outrageous comments and tweets, some of which have already been deleted by their original authors.

For her part, Davuluri is taking the racist outbursts in stride, having brushed off the hateful rhetoric in her first news conference since her historic victory.

"I'm so happy this organization has embraced diversity," said Davuluri, according to AP. "I'm thankful there are children watching at home who can finally relate to a new Miss America." Davuluri would go on to say, "I have to rise above that. I always viewed myself as first and foremost American."

The new Miss America would go on to discuss her culture in an interview with Good Morning America, noting her performance in the talent portion of the competition as a particular source of pride. "It's the first time Bollywood has ever been performed on the Miss America stage and it's such an honor for myself, my family and the Indian community, as well."