Washington, (ANI): Miss USA runner up Carrie Prejean has said that her leaked topless picture is an attempt to disgrace her for her anti-gay marriage views.

The reigning Miss California was speculated to have lost the Miss USA crown after she spoke against same sex marriages, while responding to a question during the competition. The 21-year-old recently landed in hot water again after her birthday suit photo emerged on the Internet, leaving her to face the threat of being stripped of her Miss California title.

Prejean said that she was convinced the move was a deliberate attempt to humiliate her.

"My comments defending traditional marriage have led to intimidation tactics that seek to undermine my reputation and somehow silence me and my beliefs, as if opinion is only a one-way street," Us magazine quoted her as saying in a statement.

The beauty queen further claimed that she was a teenager when the photograph was taken, and that the shot was meant to be used in a portfolio.

She added: "I am a Christian, and I am a model. Models pose for pictures, including lingerie and swimwear photos."

Prejean said that the snaps, taken of her as at 17, were "released surreptitiously to a tabloid Web site that openly mocks me for my Christian faith." She insisted: "I am not perfect, and I will never claim to be but these attacks on me and others who speak in defense of traditional marriage are intolerant and offensive. While we may not agree on every issue, we should show respect for others' opinions and not try to silence them through vicious and mean-spirited attacks."