Tara Conner Admits To Drug Use



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06:38 AM, February 2nd 2007
by News Staff











Miss USA Tara Conner, who kept her crown by entering rehab after reports of underage drinking, admitted in an interview in New York to using cocaine.

"I have done cocaine," she told NBC's Matt Lauer in an interview that will air on "Dateline."

When asked if she used cocaine while Miss USA, Conner said, "Yes."

She said she was tested, but hadn't seen the results, adding, "I'm not sure what will show up."

She admitted she manipulated people into thinking "everything's fine with me" when she needed help.

Conner said she is facing the issues that contributed to her behavior and led Donald Trump, owner of the Miss USA beauty pageant, to agree to give her a second chance if she entered rehab.

"I was in denial," she said.

When asked if she was trying to manipulate the interview, Conner said, "This is the most honest I've been in my life."

She said she wouldn't deny being abused, but wouldn't say anything more because she hadn't discussed the matter with her family.

She said she hoped she could be effective as Miss USA because "I see a need for education on alcohol and drug addition."


© 2007 UPI

Conner Says Life Changed Post-rehab



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08:17 PM, January 27th 2007
by News Staff











Miss USA Tara Conner said she recognized she suffered "from the disease of alcoholism and addition" while in rehab in Pennsylvania.

"I didn't think I had any kind of issue going into rehab," Conner told People magazine. "But I've realized I do have an issue. I suffer from the disease of alcoholism and addiction."

The 21-year-old Kentucky native checked into a Pennsylvania treatment center in December after allegations of underage drinking and hard partying surfaced. She spent 31 days in treatment, and left the facility Jan. 21.

"My life has completely changed," she said in her interview. "I'm a completely different person out of rehab. Before I entered rehab I hardly knew who I was. I felt like I was floating and I just needed someone to pull me down."

Conner, who admitted taking her first drink at 14, almost lost her crown after the reports surfaced, but Donald Trump, co-owner of the Miss Universe organization, offered her a second chance provided she sought treatment.