Reigning Miss Virginia Accused of Homophobic Attack

The gay roommate of the current Miss Virginia Nikki Poteet has written to the Miss Universe Organization to complain that Poteet used homophobic slurs against him, broke his furniture, and accosted his friends, reports website ThinkProgress.

Derek Powell, Poteet's roommate, has written a letter to the organization in which he describes events that took place at a party on October 29 at the home they share in Richmond, Virginia. Powell shares details of the letter with ThinkProgress, describing Poteet as "extremely intoxicated" on the evening in question and was upset that Powell, his boyfriend, Chris, and their friends were at their home. Powell claims in the letter that Poteet became "extremely violent and physical and proceeded to call me and my boyfriend 'faggots' and 'cocksuckers'" at around 2 a.m.

Powell also claims that Poteet began "swinging her shoes at the group, pushing people, and claiming that her male companion would 'beat' their ass." He also alleges that she tore the door off of a piece of his furniture, and "downgraded people based on their physical appearance and economic status."

ThinkProgess reports that the police were called, but hasn't yet determined if an official incident report was filed against Poteet. ThinkProgress spoke with two people who were at the house when the alleged incident occurred and both confirmed Poteet's behavior and use of antigay slurs.

During a phone interview with ThinkProgress, Poteet denied the allegations. She admitted to some sort of altercation, saying "One of his friends proceeded to say things that didn't need to be said." While defending herself against the charge, Poteet mentioned that she has a very close gay friend within the pageant organization and she was aware that Powell was gay when she decided to become roommates with him. Poteet says that Powell is making the accusation just to "raise attention."

When ThinkProgress notified Poteet they had obtained a text message between the two roommates in which Poteet said the broken furniture would be fixed, Poteet abruptly ended the phone conversation.

The Miss Universe organization has not yet responded to Powell's allegations.