16th February 2012

Miss Deaf America upset by Super Bowl TV snub

Miss Deaf America Rachel Mazique was invited to sign the National Anthem and "America The Beautiful" in the Super Bowl pre-game ceremony at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, but TV cameras failed to show her signing either song.

Mazique told the Daily Herald she was not placed anywhere near singers Kelly Clarkson, Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton. She was not even invited to watch the whole game.

Her treatment at the American football showpiece is upsetting many in the Deaf community, who have signed a petition demanding an apology from NBC and the NFL.

Mazique, a PhD student at the University of Texas said she was grateful to sponsors for allowing her to sign at the game but was "very disappointed" about the missed opportunity to show the world American Sign Language.

New York Giants beat New England Patriots 21-17 to win the Super Bowl.

No-one was available for comment from NBC.

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(Image: Miss Deaf America Ambassador Facebook Page)