Carrie Prejean Pulls Out Of Special Olympics Appearance

Carrie Prejean will not be appearing at the Special Olympics this weekend, the former Miss California confirmed in a statement to Access Hollywood.

"I have volunteered at the Special Olympics for the past several years; it is a cause very close to my heart. I was so excited to be invited as an honored guest and presenter of medals at the Special Olympics summer games this June," she said in the statement. "I fully intended to go and volunteer once again in my private capacity. However, when I learned that Keith Lewis had called the event asking that a new Miss California USA attend in my place, I reluctantly decided for the good of the Olympians I should not be there at this time."

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A rep for the Miss California USA Executive Director Keith Lewis was not immediately available for comment.

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Carrie was dethroned and replaced as Miss California by Miss Malibu Tami Farrell last week, igniting a war of words and numerous allegations on both sides between Carrie and the Miss California USA Organization. Among the fallout was a leaked e-mail reportedly seen by FOX News from Carrie concerning the Special Olympics.

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"What are u gonna do fire me for volunteering for the special olympics hahaha ur crazy No I am doing this appearance," Carrie reportedly wrote to her Miss California superiors, who reportedly had asked for information on her appearance for their "master calendar." "You do not need details. Its for the SPECIAL OLYMPICS!!! You just need to know I will be doing it alright."

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In her latest statement, however, Carrie put the focus on endorsing the cause of the Special Olympics.

"The Special Olympics should be all about these amazing athletes," she said. "I hope the generous people of California volunteer, cheer, and donate this weekend in Long Beach. I thank the Special Olympics for their ongoing support and I promise them and the athletes: I look forward to volunteering with them soon."

MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Carrie Prejean - Miss California - Pageants - Keith Lewis