The Miss USA 2015 pageant proved "the show must go on" when it aired Sunday night on Reelz following weeks of controversy surrounding co-owner Donald Trump.

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Trump, whose recent racist comments about Mexican immigrants have created a chaotic storm, was not present at the pageant held in Baton Rouge, LA. And while a big deal wasn't made of Trump's offensive remarks, Miss USA didn't exactly ignore the issue either.

"I will not be able to attend the Miss USA pageant tomorrow night because I am campaigning in Phoenix," Trump tweeted Saturday. "Wishing all well!"

The Miss USA broadcast featured a pro-immigration montage that highlighted the myriad cultures of its 51 female contestants, including Latina women.

"I come from a mixed Latino family," said Miss California, Natasha Martinez, according to Us Weekly. "My mother is an immigrant from Nicaragua and my dad is third generation Mexican."

Miss Arizona, Maureen Montagne, also reportedly noted, "Coming from a multicultural background, I would love to promote positive race relations."

Olivia Jordan, 26, of Oklahoma was crowned Miss USA after saying our country needs to improve race relations when asked about the next big issue the U.S. should tackle. The blonde beauty rocked a strapless, hot pink evening gown and watched some of her Top 5 competitors flub their interview answers.

Another question brought up in the pageant was whether "political correctness" is helping or hurting our nation. It's hard to imagine that topic isn't related to Trump's current presidential campaign.

Jordan defeated first runner-up Ylianna Guerra, 22, of Texas, as well as second runner-up Anea Garcia, 20, of Rhode Island. Miss Nevada Brittany McGown placed fourth, while Miss Maryland Mame Adjei finished in fifth place.

After the competition concluded, Jordan was asked to comment on the hot water in which Trump has found himself.

"We have freedom of speech in this country, and immigration is certainly an important issue," Jordan explained to The Associated Press, according to Access Hollywood.

"This organization is not one person. It's definitely not just me. It's a family. This organization celebrates diversity, and I think that was clear on the stage tonight, and I look forward to spreading a message of love and diversity and acceptance."

Reelz picked up the Miss USA pageant after both NBC and Univision dropped the broadcast from their schedules because they were taking heat from advocacy groups and protesters angry with Trump. Many hosts and judges also quit their gigs, requiring the competition to hastily seek new talent at the last minute.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

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