Tara Conner is keeping the tiara.
The Kentucky native, whose hold on the Miss USA crown appeared in jeopardy in recent days amid allegations of hard partying, canceled photo ops and all-around bad role modeling, will be allowed to keep her title after pageant overlord Donald Trump opted not to fire her.
"I've always been a believer in second chances," SAID Trump, who owns the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants with NBC, at a Tuesday press conference at his Trump Towers headquarters with Conner at his side.
The billionaire businessman refused to comment on any of the rampant reports that led to speculation of Conner's dethroning, only saying that he gave a last-minute reprieve because the young woman is a "good person" who deserves a break.
He also said Conner would check into rehab for unspecified treatment, and "her duties will be limited as she receives the help she needs during this personal time."
"She left a small town in Kentucky, and she was telling me that she got caught up in the whirlwind of New York," said Trump, only hinting about behavior that has made Conner a tabloid fixture for the past week.
The New York Daily News and New York Post, along with several gossip sites, have chronicled Conner's club hopping in great detail. She only turned 21 on Monday.
"You'll never know how much I appreciate Mr. Trump for saving me on this one," Conner said. "It truly takes someone with a wonderful heart, a heart of gold and a blessed soul... He's a very, very compassionate person, and obviously I've learned that today... I'm so happy I'll be given this opportunity, because I know that when I do my job I'm very passionate about it.
"I'm willing to do whatever it takes to better myself. Not only given a chance to better myself, but to better me as a Miss USA. I plan on walking out of this the best Miss USA you've ever seen."
Conner tearfully addressed reports on her drinking habit and acknowledged that she has a responsibility as a role model.
"I wouldn't say that I am an alcoholic—that would be pushing the envelope a little bit," she told reporters. "I don't have a problem with anything like that."
Conner specifically dodged a question about whether she had a relationship with 18-year-old Miss Teen USA Katie Blair. The two were spotted kissing in public.
"Young people today have a tough road. There's no question about it. Alcohol, drugs, life and especially in this city and a couple of other cities. It's tough. It's not easy," Trump said. "I believe that after speaking with Tara that...she can do a tremendous service to young people. She knows that if she makes even the slightest mistake from here on, she will be immediately replaced."
Last week, as Conner lay low in her native Kentucky, reports surfaced that she would be replaced by her runner-up, 27-year-old Miss California Tamiko Nash. Citing anonymous sources, the New York Daily News reported that the blond beauty had failed a drug test was booted out of her complimentary Trump Towers pad.
But Trump specifically denied the allegations Tuesday and noted that Conner was back in her apartment.