MISS California USA Carrie Prejean has been stripped of her title, officials said today, ending a turbulent reign marked by racy photos and controversy over her stance on gay marriage.

Officials for the pageant - owned by tycoon Donald Trump - said Prejean was being dethroned for contract violations over "unwillingness to make appearances on behalf of the Miss California USA organisation".

It marked an ignominious end for the blonde beauty queen who triggered a national debate earlier this year when she voiced her opposition to same-sex marriage when answering a question posed by a judge at the Miss USA pageant.