Summers, 24, has since apologized for what social media users called racism and bullying, saying that she "would never intend to hurt another".

She made the comments alongside Miss Colombia Valeria Morales and Miss Australia Francesca Hung in an Instagram Live video on Morales' account on Wednesday, Dec. 12.

The clip begins with Summers asking Morales and Hung: "What do you think about Miss Vietnam?"

She then goes on to say of her Vietnam counterpart H'Hen Nie: "She's so cute and she pretends to know so much English, and then you ask her a question after having a whole conversation with her and she goes (nods and smiles)."

Summers then laughs and calls Nie "adorable".

And when prompted by Morales, Summers again imitates Nie nodding and smiling.

The contestants then pointed out that Miss Cambodia Nat Rern also does not speak any English, and "not a single other person speaks her language".

 

 

 

 

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How did this even happened, why 😫😱 @valeriamoralesd @sarahrosesummers @francesca.hung @missuniverse #missuniverse #missusa #misscolombia #missaustralia

A post shared by Certified Queen👑 #GSBA (@grandslambeautyalliance) on Dec 12, 2018 at 7:51pm PST

Summers describes it as isolating and confusing, and adds: "Poor Cambodia."

Soon after the video surfaced, including on popular Instagram account diet _prada, Summers met with sharp criticism.

Instagram user potskzi said in a comment: "Miss USA and Australia just lost all of my respect... That's NOT what real beauty is all about."

On Thursday, Summers responded to the controversy with an apology on her Instagram account.

Read also: US craze for DNA 'heritage' tests may bolster racism, critics warn

 

 

 

 

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@MissUniverse is an opportunity for women from around the world to learn about each other’s cultures, life experiences, and views. We all come from different backgrounds and can grow alongside one another. In a moment where I intended to admire the courage of a few of my sisters, I said something that I now realize can be perceived as not respectful, and I apologize. My life, friendships, and career revolve around me being a compassionate and empathetic woman. I would never intend to hurt another. I am grateful for opportunities to speak with Nat, Miss Cambodia, and H’Hen, Miss Vietnam, directly about this experience. These are the moments that matter most to me.

A post shared by Sarah Rose Summers (@sarahrosesummers) on Dec 13, 2018 at 9:41am PST

She wrote: "In a moment where I intended to admire the courage of a few of my sisters, I said something that I now realize can be perceived as not respectful, and I apologize.

"My life, friendships, and career revolve around me being a compassionate and empathetic woman. I would never intend to hurt another. I am grateful for opportunities to speak with Nat, Miss Cambodia, and H'Hen, Miss Vietnam, directly about this experience. These are the moments that matter most to me."

Nat on Friday sought to soothe tensions online when she shared group photos taken with Summers, Morales, Hung and Nie, which show the five of them in smiles and hugging.

 

 

 

 

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My friendship and sisterhood in Miss Universe will forever be kept in my heart. Our experience have given us the opportunity to show and learn different cultures. I speak the language of love, respect and understanding. I love you my sisters.♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

A post shared by Rern Sinat (@rern_sinat) on Dec 13, 2018 at 4:24pm PST

"I speak the language of love, respect and understanding. I love you, my sisters," she said.