PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - Organizers who decided to strip a lobster pageant winner of her title over online photos said they're dealing with death threats and backlash.
The 2018 Maine Lobster Festival Sea Goddess was dethroned after she was crowned because of what organizers described as photos of "inappropriate behavior." Photos showed 18-year-old Taylor Hamlin holding a marijuana cigarette and a vaping device.
Volunteers who run the event said those who organized the festival have received mocking comments on Facebook and death threats. Some also said they believe more local residents stayed away from the event this year because of the controversy.
The lobster festival happens every year in Rockland, 80 miles up the coast from Portland.