Cassidy Wolf, 19, is the Miss Teen USA 2013 who found herself the victim of a heinous online extortion plot prior to becoming America’s newest sweetheart, reports The Daily News.
Wolf first noticed something was wrong when Facebook told her that someone from a different city had attempted to log into her Facebook. She then found out that someone had hacked into her webcam and had taken compromising pictures of her over a sustained amount of time (she isn’t saying how long). The perv promised to release the photos unless she complied with his requests (she isn’t saying what they were). The case is now under investigation by the FBI.
Here’s what you need to know about her…
1. Wolf is Using Her Celebrity to Create Awareness
Wolf was crowned Miss Teen USA 2013 on August 10 in the Bahamas. Since then she’s made numerous appearances on TV and rather than hide from the sensitive issue she’s been upfront about her problems. She told Fox News this week:
I had the same password for years but now seeing that someone can hack into my stuff just by downloading an incorrect link, it’s very important to change your passwords, delete your cookies.
Wolf is also advocating that people change their passwords on a regular basis and to cover their webcams when not in use. In addition to her appearances on TV, Wolf has been touring around high schools to spread her message of online awareness.
She says:
This all happened before I had a title, I was just a normal girl in high school. This next year I’m just so excited to be able to share my story and raise awareness in young teens about what can happen.
2. Wolf Has Been Performing Since She Was 2 Years Old
My passion has it's very own day! Happy national dance day everyone pic.twitter.com/DxFI5dxUGQ
— Cassidy Wolf (@MissTeenUSA) July 27, 2013
In an interview with Hairpin.com, Wolf went into her life in the public eye, she says:
When I started I was just doing ballet, but then at ten years old I started dancing competitively, so I had to adapt to other styles: contemporary, lyrical, modern. The whole shebang, except for hip hop and tap.
She then elaborated on her love of the show So You Think You Can Dance:
My really good friend Mackenzie was on my dance team and now she’s on it this season, so everyone should vote for her! It’s really amazing to see all my friends I grew up dancing with now auditioning and even competing on the show.
And it was through dance that Wolf got involved in beauty pageants:
Well, the way I got involved in the first place was that I volunteered to help choreograph the opening number for Miss California in 2011. On the night of the actual event,
I was watching backstage in the wings and I thought, “I’d really like to try this.” So I competed for Miss Teen California twice, and won the second time, and just two days ago went to Miss Teen USA, and that was it.
According to her Miss Teen USA bio, her talen was pretty impressive:
She has also been awarded several talent scholarships to Joffrey Ballet in New York and was invited to be part of the professional Trainee Jazz Program.
LOVED wearing my official @KMPelletier Swimsuit during Top 16 at #MissTeenUSA! Thank you Kandice, we all loved thempic.twitter.com/sn3D23os3K
— Cassidy Wolf (@MissTeenUSA) August 13, 2013
3. Wolf Will be Attending College in the Fall
Wolf, a native of California, will be heading east to attend the New York Film Academy. As part of prize package for winning the pageant, Wolf receives a two-year all expenses paid scholarship at the school. The college boasts courses in everything from TV Production to Broadcast Journalism. The full list of the SWAG that Wolf is picking up reads like this:
A year’s worth of hair care products and tools from Farouk Systems Inc.; eveningwear wardrobe by Sherri Hill; new custom diamond tiara and jewelry designed by Diamond Nexus; a swimwear wardrobe by Kandice Pelletier Swimwear; a shoe wardrobe from Chinese Laundry; a year’s supply of make-up from Rain Cosmetics; a year’s worth of products from IMAGE Skin Care; two-year scholarship (including housing) from the New York Film Academy; yearlong salary as Miss Teen USA; six-day/five-night vacation for two, including airfare, at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas; personal services including membership to Gravity Fitness and hair services from John Barrett Salon;
Modeling portfolio by leading fashion photographer Fadil Berisha; consultation with Miss Universe Organization’s Fashion Consultant and access to a personal appearance wardrobe; professional media/public relations representation by Rubenstein Public Relations in New York City; dermatology and skincare services provided by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher; professional health and nutrition consultation by Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD; dental services by Dr. Jan Linhart, D.D.S.; casting opportunities and professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization; extensive travel opportunities representing sponsors and charitable partners; access to various New York City events, including movie premieres and screenings, Broadway shows and launch parties.
4. Her Mentor Complained of Hacking in July 2012
Although it’s not confirmed when exactly Wolf’s webcam and Facebook had been hacked, in July 2012, her mentor, San Diego Pageant Queen Pam Wilson, complained of her email being hacked.
Wolf’s Facebook makes it clear of her feelings for Wilson:
5. Wolf is Active in Several Charities
Her Miss Teen USA bio says Wolf is truly a giver:
Cassidy loves giving back and supports many organizations as Miss California Teen USA including Steps4Paws, The Gentle Barn, Best Buddies, San Diego Youth at Risk and KAR Dancer Against Cancer.
