Speaking Out
Nia Booko of Bravo's "The Valley" has detailed what she describes as a "creepy" encounter with Donald Trump during her time competing in the Miss USA pageant system. Booko shared the account during a recent interview, adding her voice to a long list of former pageant contestants who have spoken about their experiences.
Trump owned the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants from 1996 to 2015.
What She Described
Booko recounted feeling uncomfortable during interactions with Trump backstage at pageant events. She described behavior she characterized as inappropriate for someone in a position of authority over young contestants, using the word "creepy" repeatedly to convey the dynamic.
Her account is consistent with stories previously shared by other former Miss USA and Miss Universe contestants over the years.
Why Now
Booko said she felt compelled to share her experience as part of a broader conversation happening among reality television personalities about power dynamics and accountability. Her platform on "The Valley" has given her a wider audience for these conversations than she had during her pageant career.
