Nina Davuluri, the first Indian American to win the Miss America competition and second Miss New York to take the crown, said she won't let bigoted commentators detract from her victory.

Almost immediately after the 24-year-old was crowned, dozens of commentators took to the Internet to slam the beauty contestant using racial slurs and other derogatory terms. Davuluri, who spent her first day as Miss America at the beach in Atlantic City Monday, didn't seem fazed.

"I have to rise above that," the 24

year old told reporters after the contest Sunday. "I always viewed myself as first and foremost American."

"I'm so happy this organization has celebrated diversity, and, on this stage tonight, there was so much diversity," she said

PLUS: Home heating oil prices rise and deer population explodes Credit: Newsday

Hochul, Blakeman poll, home heating oil prices rise, and deer population explodes. Here's a look at some of the exclusive stories you may have missed this week on NewsdayTV.

PLUS: Home heating oil prices rise and deer population explodes Credit: Newsday

Hochul, Blakeman poll, home heating oil prices rise, and deer population explodes. Here's a look at some of the exclusive stories you may have missed this week on NewsdayTV.

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