Miss Mexico Jimena Navarrete won last night’s Miss Universe pageant, giving her home country its second-ever Miss Universe title. “I want the whole world to know about my country and my people,” said Navarrete, 22, adding that she hopes her victory will help Mexico’s image. Miss Venezuela Marelisa Gibson was hoping to give her country its third consecutive win, but neither she nor Miss USA Rima Fakih made the top 15. Gold-medal figure skater Evan Lysacek and actress Jane Seymour were among the celebrity judges.
Not surprisingly, Navarrete has already weighed in on Arizona’s recent immigration law, the AP reports. “Every country has the right to impose and enact their laws,” she said after she was crowned. “But I tell you that all the Mexicans and the Latins that are living here in the United States are hardworking people—people who want to improve on their quality of life.” Miss Jamaica Yendi Phillipps came in second, and Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell finished third.
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