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Miss USA Serves Her Country

Mexico City crowd's negative reaction meant for Washington, not beauty queen

By M. Morris, Newser Staff

Posted May 30, 2007 11:10 AM CDT

(Newser) – The boos that rained down on Miss USA during the Miss Universe pageant weren't meant for her—the Mexico City crowd was venting its frustration with the US government, organizers and observers say. Rachel Smith didn't help her case by falling sash-over-teakettle during the evening gown competition, but the spectators warmed to her after she spoke to them in Spanish.

The booing, which started during the interview portion of Monday's pageant, had nothing to do with the former Miss Tennessee's description of her volunteer work. "They are booing because of the immigration policy," said pageant co-owner Donald Trump. Smith's night was tough all around: She was named fourth runner-up as Miss Japan captured the tiara.

[Images (4)]

[Videos (1)]

Rachael Smith, Miss USA 2007, falls during the evening gowns competition of the Miss Universe 2007 pageant in Mexico City, Monday, May 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo) (Associated Press)

Zuleyka Rivera, Miss Universe 2006, left, looses control of the crown as she places it on winner Riyo Mori, Miss Japan 2007, at the Miss Universe 2007 beauty pageant in Mexico City, Monday, May 28, 2007.... (Associated Press)

Rachel Smith, Miss USA 2007 gets up after falling during the evening gown competition of the Miss Universe 2007 beauty pageant in Mexico City, Monday, May 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo) (Associated Press)

Rachael Smith, Miss USA 2007, right, poses as Valentina Massi, Miss Italy 2007 leaves the stage during a rehearsal for the upcoming Miss Universe 2007 pageant in Mexico City, Saturday, May 26, 2007. The... (Associated Press)

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Miss USA falls on runway at Miss Universe 2007 (amorgan25 (YouTube))

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Miss USA Serves Her Country