New Zealand's hope in the Miss Universe contest was sacked from a trendy shoe shop for allegedly giving away $400 of shoes without authority.
Laural Barrett and twin sister Sharaine were both dismissed from Wild Pair in Christchurch's Palms shopping centre in late 2005 after admitting they gave two pairs of shoes to male friends of Sharaine's.
During the employment investigation that ensued, the twins admitted their "stupid" actions in writing and said they knew they had erred.
They said the men left without paying for the shoes. The girls promised to reimburse their employer.
A theft complaint was laid with the police as Wild Pair wanted the women prosecuted as punishment and to prevent them from working in retail.
The complaint was investigated but no charges were laid.
"The outcome was that any outstanding monies owed for shoes was repaid," said Detective Senior Sergeant Grant Wormald.
Miss Universe New Zealand contestants sign a contract declaring they have no criminal record, have not given birth and will not generate adverse publicity.
Organisers are backing Ms Barrett.
"When you are beautiful and good-looking and you're in this industry, there is always going to be someone to pull you down," said Val Lott, the New Zealand director of Miss Universe.
"This is nothing other than the tall-poppy syndrome."
She said Ms Barrett's dismissal from the store would not affect her representing New Zealand at next month's contest in Mexico.
Ms Barrett, a 20-year-old bar singer, beat 23 competitors for the crown, prizes worth $25,000 and the chance to represent New Zealand overseas.
Identical twin sister Sharaine was runner-up in last year's competition.
When phoned by The Press, Laural Barrett denied any wrongdoing.
"It's not what happened. We had lawyers and police involved. We have no convictions. If we had done something wrong we would have had convictions.
"It dragged on for 18 months. Nothing has happened to us and it's all been sorted out."
She said she had admitted wrongdoing in the employment interview because the situation was "out of control".
Wild Pair owed her wages and had breached her and her sister's privacy.
Ms Lott said she understood that the shoes had been released "on appro" and the men had not returned and paid for them.
