Northern News Services

NNSL (Aug 13/99) - Outgoing Miss Teen Canada International, 17-year- old Nicole Gagnon of Yellowknife, was originally in Toronto this past week to crown the incoming teen queen. Instead, she's living a nightmare.

According to the Toronto Sun, Gagnon claims that she was attacked by the beauty pageant's organizer Sylvia Stark.

"I took a complaint from a 17-year-old youthful person who alleged that there was an assault," confirmed Const. Alan Spratt, the attending officer, who is with the Metro Toronto Police Service, 23 Division.

Spratt said the complaint was of "a grab and a shaking of the arm."

"We've been investigating that, some potential witnesses have been interviewed and at this point no determination has been made. What we're investigating is, first of all, if what took place even constitutes a criminal offence. Then if it does, we'll go from there."

According to Spratt, the allegation is very minor, there was no visible injury and there was no medical attention required.

The incident occurred this past Sunday at the Airport Novotel Hotel in Toronto, where event contestants are residing.

In a statement to the Sun, Gagnon alleges she was attacked by Stark after she and reigning Miss Canada International Leanne Baird, 22, of Stoney Creek, learned they could not join the other contestants on a trip to Niagara Falls.

In an interview with Yellowknifer, a spokesperson for the event stated:

"Nicole was not touched, that's all I can say."

Gagnon told the Sun she was now banned from associating with other contestants and was not allowed to crown the winner at the pageant at Mississauga's Living Arts Centre.

Detective John Ihasz, who is in charge of the investigation, says he does not anticipate that any charges will be laid.

"I'm going to be quite frank with everybody involved, let bygones be bygones I think would be the better resolution in this matter."

Stark and Gagnon could not be reached for comment, though in her statement Gagnon adds that the year of her reign has been a nightmare.

"The entire year has a disaster, a nightmare. All I want to do is return home."

Since the alleged assault, three contestants have dropped out of the pageant, with rumours of a fourth also jumping ship.