American pressure group Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has severed its ties with Miss Teen USA KATIE BLAIR, following reports she has been seen drinking illegally in New York nightspots.

Website TMZ.com claims Blair, 18, was seen drinking with Miss USA Tara Conner. Conner was threatened with losing her title but Donald Trump, who owns the Miss Universe Organisation, gave her a reprieve on Tuesday (19DEC06).

But MADD spokesperson HEIDI CASTLE says, "In the past, MADD has teamed with Miss Teen USA to raise awareness about the serious and often deadly consequences of underage drinking.

"However, we do not feel, at this time, that Ms Blair can be an effective spokesperson on underage drinking and will not ask her to represent MADD in future initiatives."

Despite the controversy, Miss Universe Organisation representative LARK-MARIE ANTON insists Blair's crown is safe.