KUALA LUMPUR: 2017 Miss Malaysia Universe Samantha Katie James has apologised for the remarks posted on her Instagram stories in the wake of protests in the United States which has drawn vast criticism.
"I do hear you, I'm sorry, I know you're hurting. I know it's unfair. I'm not in your shoes to understand this fully.
"To clear the air, yes, I did poorly articulate myself writing 'black people chose to be black' and 'to the black people, relax, take it as a challenge, it makes you stronger'. If I had been more attentive in how I wrote it, the message would off been understood as a heartfelt message to all victims of racism be it any colour (sic).
"I understand a lot of people have shared that I could have phrased my content differently, and I accept that I am responsible for my words. I will make sure I articulate my speech in a proper manner," she said in a post shared on her social media accounts.
She said: "Furthermore, you asked me to explain what I meant by 'black people chose to be black' is that throughout my journey I have learned that we are more than just temporary physical body, like an avatar, merely a tiny speck of dust in this vast infinite universe, we tend to overlook that from time to time.
"In our process towards evolution as a human being, on earth. We chose our body, our family, our place of birth, our name and our lessons from the path we take tailor made for us."
In a series of Instagram stories under the handle @samanthakayty, James, 25, sparked outrage amongst social media users in a posting addressed "to the Black people" whom she said should "relax and take it as a challenge".
She also said: "You chose to be born as a 'coloured' person in America for a reason. To learn a certain lesson. Accept it as it is, till now hunger and poverty still exist. It is what it is. It's evitable. Best you can do is remain calm, protect heart, don't allow it to crumble. That's your responsibility."