By SADIE WHITELOCKS

Jennifer Hawkins crowned Miss Universe in 2004 (left) and on a photoshoot in 2011 (right) has been accused of having cosmetic surgery to enhance her appearance by this year's Miss Australia, Scherri-Lee Biggs

As we approach this year's Miss Universe competition in Brazil, the claws are out in true beauty pageant style.

Miss Australia, Scherri-Lee Biggs who reportedly accused her predecessor, Jennifer Hawkins, 27, of indulging in 'too much' plastic surgery last week, is now desperately trying to get in touch with Hawkins' management to apologize.

Biggs, 20, who recently arrived in Sao Paulo for the international contest revealed that she thought Hawkins - who claimed the Miss Universe crown in 2004 - had gone 'that little bit too far' to achieve perfection.


Hot topic: Australia's Miss Universe contestant Scherri-Lee Biggs has criticized her predecessor Jennifer Hawkins over plastic surgery


Now Biggs, a model and communications student from Perth is trying to avoid any bitter feeling posting via Twitter that her words were taken 'taken completely out of context'.

She Tweeted: 'I just wanted to apologise to Jen Hawkins about today's article. I never said that about her... and words were put in my mouth.

'I think Jen's an amazing, beautiful woman and I look up to her. I feel horrible... and am currently trying to get in contact with her management.'

Joining Biggs in her criticism is the 2009 Australian representative Rachael Finch, who also agrees that Hawkins' face has 'changed' since becoming one of the nation's highest paid models seven years ago.


Showdown: Sherri-Lee will battle it out against 88 other contenders for the Miss Universe crown including Miss France Laury Thilleman (left) and Miss Ireland Aoife Hannon (right)


'I'm not completely against plastic surgery, I think that everyone makes their own personal decision, but I do believe Sherri-Lee is right when she says that natural beauty is best.

'[Jennifer] denied [surgery], so maybe she hasn't, but I love what she looks like in a picture in 2004. Whether it might be weight loss or changes in the face in maturity, whatever it is, it looks so beautiful and fresh in 2004.' She told the Herald Sun.

Miss Universe openly accepts contestants who have had cosmetic and plastic surgery and over the years it has been a topic hotly debated.

Last year's winner Ximena Navarrette of Mexico claimed to be plastic surgery free putting her looks down to lots of exercise, but revealed that she wasn't against surgical enhancement, saying: 'I am for plastic surgery. But I haven’t gotten any.'

Jennifer Hawkins - currently based in Sydney - has denied previous reports that she has gone under the knife and her management has refused to comment.

In reaction she said: 'I just eat healthy and I exercise a lot. Women get better with age, because they are more confident with themselves. It's all about make-up and health.'

Biggs will battle against 88 other hopefuls in the international Miss Universe final which kicks off on September 12 meanwhile Hawkins is planning her wedding to model Jake Wall.


source: dailymail