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In a press conference held Saturday in Clearwater Beach, Fla., Rees, 22, said, "These images were from an isolated incident during my teenage years, long before my consideration to compete in the Miss USA program. While I take full responsibility for the photographs...This incident does not reflect who I am or who I plan to be. I am so sorry this happened."
Rees went on to say she hopes her experience will serve as a cautionary tale to other young women reports People Magazine. "Please don't let your guard down when it comes to being photographed," she said. "As you can see, just one mistake can have great consequences."
Rees said she had contacted Donald Trump, co-owner of the Miss Universe organization, and is awaiting a response.
Her attorney, Mario Torres, tells PEOPLE that they have contacted the Trump Organization to request that Rees be reinstated as Miss Nevada USA.
"We are still waiting to hear back from them," says Torres. "They have not yet responded."
Donald Trump, who owns the pageant, said Katie Rees, deserved to be dumped for pictures.
"Did you see those pictures?" Trump screamed to the Daily News yesterday. "Unlike Miss USA, who made some bad choices, Miss Nevada is a real problem. . . . It's a much different thing, and a much bigger problem."
Rees' lawyer Mario Torres said that she was wrong to pose for the salacious shots three years ago, when she was 19. But he said Rees deserves another chance - and may have grounds for a lawsuit.
"Ms. Rees clearly acknowledges that her actions were not appropriate and regrets that she failed to clearly think about the consequences of those actions," Torres said, adding, "We find it inequitable that Ms. Conner was able to retain her crown and that Ms. Rees is not able to do the same."
In a statement released Thursday, Paula M. Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization, said: "Katie Rees has been relieved of her duties as Miss Nevada USA 2007. First runner-up Helen Salas will assume the title and compete at the 2007 Miss USA Pageant on March 23 in Los Angeles, California."
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