Miss Universe Paulina Vega Criticizes Donald Trump; Presidential Hopeful Calls Colombian Beauty a "Hypocrite"

Vega, who disagrees with Trump's "hurtful and unjust" comments, explains why she won't be giving up her crown or pulling her appearance from pageant

By Rebecca Macatee Jul 06, 2015 7:53 PMTags
Paulina Vega, Donald TrumpInstagram; Getty Images

Paulina Vega doesn't have the same stance as Donald Trump when it comes to Mexican immigration.

Miss Universe 2014 actually issued a statement criticizing the "hurtful and unjust" comments made by the presidential hopeful when he announced his 2016 presidential bid last month.

"As a Colombian and as Miss Universe, I want to show my support and validate the sentiments of the Latin community," said Vega, 22.

She will not, however, be giving up her crown or pulling her involvement from the pageant, a joint venture between Trump and NBCUniversal. In her statement, Vega explained that the Miss Universe Organization "works independently from its owners," adding, "For the past 64 years, they have created partnerships with great charity groups and have helped thousands of communities. Their legacy of uniting countries from around the world has been inspiring to many."

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"If the Miss Universe Organization shared any anti-Latin sentiments or any type of racial biases, I wouldn't be in this position today," she continued. "I strongly believe that dividing and categorizing humankind only holds it back. Acknowledging and embracing the differences that exist across humanity is the first step in real and substantial development. We must strive together in order to improve the common good."

Trump, 69, issued his own response on Twitter, writing, "Miss Universe, Paulina Vega, criticized me for telling the truth about illegal immigration, but then said she would keep the crown-Hypocrite."

Although Vega isn't officially cutting ties with Trump, plenty of others are doing just that. NBC and Univision will no longer air the Miss USA Pageant, Cheryl Burke and Thomas Roberts have stepped down from their co-hosting duties, Emitt Smith will no longer be judging the pageant and both Flo Rida and Latin singer J Balvin have pulled their appearances.

Behind-the-scenes commentator Jeannie Mai will still be participating, telling People in a statement that while she doesn't condone Trump's statements, she "can't abandon" the women competing.

Reelz has picked up the pageant, which will also be streamed on Miss USA's website from Baton Rouge on Sunday, July 12.

(E! and NBC are both members of the NBCUniversal family.)