'He's always treated me with respect' Jennifer Hawkins defends Donald Trump at 2016 Derby Day... after video surfaces of US presidential candidate awkwardly trying to kiss her in 2011

By Jo Scrimshire and Jade Watkins for Daily Mail Australia

Published: 22:08 EDT, 28 October 2016 | Updated: 00:04 EDT, 29 October 2016

Former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins has defended Donald Trump after a video surfaced of him awkwardly trying to kiss her onstage in 2011.

The 32-year-old model told Daily Mail Australia at 2016 Derby Day on Saturday the Republican presidential candidate 'always treated her with respect'.

Jennifer also declined to comment on the multiple accusations of sexual misconduct made against the Celebrity Apprentice star, 70, in recent weeks.

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Friends in high places: Former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins has defended Donald Trump after a video surfaced of him awkwardly trying to kiss her onstage in 2011. Pictured in June 2004

Former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins has defended Donald Trump after a video surfaced of him awkwardly trying to kiss her onstage in 2011. Pictured in June 2004

Speaking at the Melbourne horse racing event this weekend, Jennifer confirmed she had not yet seen the video making headlines across Australia.

But she still defended the US right-wing politician, saying: 'I have to say that Trump and his family have always been so respectful.'

When asked about the accusations against Donald, she added: 'I can only comment on what's happened to me personally, and he's always treated me with respect.'

'Hey Malcolm Turnbull, can I recommend Jennifer Hawkins as our ambassador to the US?' The 32-year-old model found herself getting TROLLED on Twitter after pal Donald Trump's election victory on Wednesday

The 32-year-old model told Daily Mail Australia at 2016 Derby Day in Melbourne on Saturday the Republican presidential candidate 'always treated her with respect'

Meanwhile, former Miss Finland Ninni Laaksonen, 30, become the twelfth woman to accuse the Republican candidate of sexual assault earlier this week.

She told Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat Donald grabbed her behind before an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman in 2006.

Donald has denied recent accusations of sexual misconduct and has announced plans to sue his accusers after the US election is over.

'He's always treated me with respect': Jennifer declined to comment on the accusations of sexual misconduct made against the US presidential candidate in recent weeks. Pictured in July 2004
'I can only comment on what's happened to me personally': The former beauty queen has made it clear that Donald and his family 'have always been so respectful'

'He's always treated me with respect': Jennifer declined to comment on the accusations of sexual misconduct made against the US presidential candidate in recent weeks

Meanwhile, Jennifer has attempted to distance herself from Donald in recent months, after rising to fame in his Miss Universe pageant in 2004.

According to Sydney's Daily Telegraph, she has cancelled several interviews after regularly being asked questions about the politician.

Her representative, Sean Anderson of 22 Management, previously said: 'Jennifer is not interested and will not be commenting on Donald Trump. She is not interested in getting involved in the politics.'

Leaning in for a kiss? Speaking at the Melbourne horse racing event last month, Jennifer confirmed she had not yet seen the video making headlines across Australia

Leaning in for a kiss? Speaking at the Melbourne horse racing event this weekend, Jennifer confirmed she had not yet seen the video making headlines across Australia