JonBenet Ramsey’s father regrets putting daughter in beauty pageants

The father of JonBenet Ramsey, the 6-year-old beauty pageant contestant who was murdered in 1996, says he regrets letting his daughter compete in shows because it could have been a reason behind her death. Photo via Wiki Commons.

The glitz and glamour of child beauty pageants took a dark turn in December 1996 when 6-year-old beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey was found dead in the basement of her Colorado home.

Now almost 16 years later, with the murder still unsolved and the parents being cleared of any involvement, JonBenet Ramsey’s father is speaking out, warning parents about the dangers of putting your children on public display.

In an interview with ABC News, John Ramsey reveals he regrets putting his daughter in pageants because it could have been a factor in her death.

“I now believe with all my heart that it’s not a good idea to put your child on public display,” he said. “Only because– that possibly might have drawn attention to us. I don’t know. But–  I think for– for advice to a parent is just recognize that– regardless of where you live, there– there could be evil around you.  And– and don’t be naive about it.  And keep your kids protected.”

John also gave his opinion on the TLC reality show Toddlers and Tiaras, which provides an inside glimpse into the competitive nature of  child pageants and the extensive preparations young contestants and their families take prior to appearing in shows.

“It’s very bizarre,” he said. “And, it certainly– [my wife] Patsy and JonBenet didn’t approach it that way.  We– they just did it for fun.”

John is currently making the talk-show rounds, promoting his new book, “The Other Side of Suffering,” which chronicles his struggles coping with the loss of his daughter and finding hope in the midst of tragedy.