Nearly fifteen years after a photograph sent the internet into a frenzy, former Miss Albania Angela Martini has spoken exclusively to the Daily Mail to set the record straight. The image, taken in 2011, appeared to show her sharing a kiss on the lips with Donald Trump, who was then six years into his marriage to Melania Trump.
The Viral Photograph and the 'Optical Illusion'
The controversial moment was captured at a Miss Universe photo shoot and press conference at Chelsea Piers in New York City. Martini, who competed as Miss Albania in the 2010 pageant, was a guest. In a split-second shot, their heads were positioned in a way that created a startling illusion of intimacy.
Now 39, Martini firmly denies any romantic exchange occurred. "It was just an optical illusion," she stated. She explained that the camera angle made a simple kiss on the cheek look like something far more. "It was not true, but it looks weird in the picture because even the other contestant ... she has a weird expression like she's shocked," Martini added.
Despite facing harsh public judgment when the photo circulated, Martini said she held to her truth. She revealed that neither Trump nor his team contacted her about the scandal, as they also dismissed it as false.
Backstage at Miss Universe: "I Want Her to Shine"
Martini's first encounter with Trump happened backstage at the 2010 Miss Universe competition. Feeling discouraged and witnessing what she perceived as favouritism, she was slumped in a corner when Trump, then owner of the Miss Universe Organization, entered.
He allegedly asked former pageant president Paula Shugart to identify her. According to Martini, Shugart responded, "She's very difficult. She has attitude. She doesn't follow the rules." Undeterred, Trump insisted on an introduction.
The real estate mogul walked over, said 'nice to meet you,' and then turned to Shugart with a directive: 'I want her to shine,' Martini recalled. She ultimately placed sixth in the competition, which was won by Mexico's Ximena Navarrete.
Reflecting on Trump's general demeanour during the pageants, Martini described him as "very nice" and "very professional," adding, "He never flirted." This contrasts with other allegations from former contestants, which Trump's representatives have labelled as baseless.
Life After the Pageant: From Kanye West to Divorce
Martini's life took several dramatic turns following her pageant career. In 2011, she briefly dated rapper Kanye West after he contacted her upon seeing her on a red carpet. Their romance, however, fizzled quickly as Martini grew "bored" of his studio-centric lifestyle. She claims West later called to end their fling because he was going to date Kim Kardashian.
On the personal front, Martini married Romanian actor Dragos Savulescu in 2019. Their marriage was strained by his legal troubles in Romania, where he faced accusations of embezzlement and corruption, though he was recently exonerated. Martini filed for divorce in October, citing the heavy toll of "fighting a system." The former couple shares one son.
Despite the past scandal, Martini said she has since run into both Donald and Melania Trump. "They were both very polite and nice," she said, emphasising, "I always had a very respectful relationship with him. I never felt the bad vibe."
The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Donald Trump, the Miss Universe Organization, and Paula Shugart for comment.
