Miss USA forced to apologize for comments she made about the English-speaking abilities of two fellow Miss Universe contestants

Miss USA has apologized after comments she made about two fellow Miss Universe contestants' English-language abilities, sparked backlash online.

In a live Instagram video, 24-year-old contestant Sarah Rose Summers said that Miss Vietnam H'Hen Nie is "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 (nods and smiles)."

Summers, who was joined in the video by Miss Colombia, Valeria Morales and Miss Australia, Francesca Hung, was attending the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand, which is scheduled to begin on Sunday in Bangkok.

Later on in the video Summers appeared to express sympathy for Miss Cambodia, Rern Sinat, who she said, "doesn't speak any English and not a single other person speaks her language." "Can you imagine? Francesca (Miss Australia) said that would be so isolating and I said yes and just confusing all the time," Summers said. "Poor Cambodia."

The comments have sparked criticism online, with some calling Summers' words "xenophobic" and "condescending."

Responding to the backlash in an Instagram post today, Summers said that Miss Universe was "an opportunity for women from around the world to learn about each other's cultures, life experiences, and views."

"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" Summers said, alongside a photo of her embracing her fellow contestants.