Miss Universe 2014: Winner Paulina Vega Defends Her Answers at Pageant, Compliments Miss Jamaica
Paulina Vega, the Colombian woman crowned Miss Universe 2014, has been criticized for her answers during the Jan. 25 pageant.
When asked what she thought women could learn from men, she said it was a "difficult question." This sparked memes, where people poked fun at the beauty queen's level of intelligence.
"I've always said it: You've got to be authentic," she said during a press conference, according to TV y Novelas. "I'm a spontaneous person, very happy like many Colombians, and I showed that from the first day to the very last with my response when I said it was a difficult question."
She added she felt it was difficult, so she said that. And though the awkward phrase was partially because of her nerves, she stands by the way she answered the question.
"I wouldn't change my answers," she said. "That's what I said in the moment."
Vega also took the opportunity to compliment Miss Jamaica Kaci Fennell.
"I love her personality," she said about Fennell. "We spent the whole competition talking. We forgot that everyone was watching us, but I had an amazing time from beginning to end. That's what matters."
It had been nearly 60 years since a Colombian took home the Miss Universe crown.
Luz Marina Zuluaga, who was crowned in 1958, congratulated her fellow Colombian.
"Like any Colombian, I am very happy that a Colombian has won, it was about time," she said, according to The Associated Press.
Next year, Miss Universe will air on Univision. The network acquired the rights to air the contest in Spanish in the United States, according to the hosts of Despierta America. The hosts said it was fitting that the contest would air in the country's No. 1 Hispanic network.
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