Miss USA contestants including several Latina women battle it out as Trump skips it to 'focus on presidential campaign' following Mexican immigrant controversy
- Women from across the country Sunday night--including some of Hispanic heritage--are vying for the title of Miss USA
- This year's pageant has been dogged by comments made by Donald Trump bashing Mexican immigrants
- The pageant co-owned by Trump takes place in Baton Rouge for the second year in a row. But the real estate mogul won't be in attendance
- Contestants of Hispanic heritage include: Miss New York, Tathiana Diaz; Miss California, Natasha Martinez and Miss Texas, Ylianna Guerra
Women from across the country Sunday--including many of Hispanic heritage--are vying for the title of Miss USA in a decades-old beauty pageant of dazzling dresses and sexy swimsuits that this year has been dogged by comments made by Donald Trump bashing Mexican immigrants.
The pageant co-owned by Trump takes place Sunday night in Baton Rouge for the second year in a row. But the real estate mogul won't be in attendance.
'I will not be able to attend the Miss USA pageant tomorrow night because I am campaigning in Phoenix. Wishing all well!' he tweeted Saturday after speaking to a sold out Arizona crowd.
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Tonight's the night: Contestants wave onstage at the conclusion of the preliminary round of the 2015 Miss USA Pageant in Baton Rouge, Lousiana on Wednesday
'I will not be able to attend the Miss USA pageant tomorrow night because I am campaigning in Phoenix. Wishing all well!' he tweeted Saturday after speaking to a sold out Arizona crowd
A CNN report, however, reveals the candidate may left Phoenix for points east on Saturday.
FlightAware data shows that a plane Trump used to travel from Las Vegas to Phoenix over the weekend flew to New York just after midnight Sunday morning.
Trump's comments slamming Mexican immigrants during his presidential campaign announcement sparked a backlash against the business tycoon's empire, including the Miss Universe organization that includes the Miss USA pageant.
In his June announcement, Trump said that some Mexican immigrants to the U.S. bring drugs and crime, and some are rapists.
Broadcasters NBC and Spanish-language broadcaster Univision said they would not show the contest. Judges and performers pulled out.
Organizers have scrambled to find replacements as the pageant was approaching.
Reelz television stepped in to air the contest, saying that the pageant and the women who compete in it 'are an integral part of American tradition.' The station also said Trump would not profit from the deal.
'The way I was raised, my parents never wanted me to forget my roots,' said 22-year-old Mexican-American Miss Texas Yliana Guerra
'They got a job once they got off the plane': Miss New York's parents were born in the Dominican Republic and told NBC News she learned her work ethic from them
Natasha Martinez who represents California said during an interview with The Associated Press earlier this week that she didn't think Trump's comments have overshadowed the contest
The contest found replacement hosts and is bringing back a slew of former winners from Miss USA and Miss Universe as judges.
They've also highlighted the diversity among the contestants, including those of Hispanic descent.
Contestants are judged in three categories: evening gown, swimsuit and a personality interview.
The 51 women represent every state and the District of Columbia.
Three of the contestants who are of Hispanic heritage have spoken about their culture and of being in this year's controversial pageant: Miss New York, Tathiana Diaz; Miss California, Natasha Martinez and Miss Texas, Ylianna Guerra.
Natasha Martinez who represents California said during an interview with The Associated Press earlier this week that she didn't think Trump's comments have overshadowed the contest but it has provided an opportunity for her and others to show what they're doing.
Miss New York, Thatiana Diaz, competes in the bathing suit competition during the preliminary round of the 2015 Miss USA Pageant
'This isn't about how big your hair is on stage or how good you look in a bikini': Miss California, Natasha Martinez, competes in the swimsuit competition
'The respect you have for your parents and grandparents is huge in our culture': Miss Texas, Mexican-American Ylianna Guerra, competes in the bathing suit competition
'You know, this isn't about how big your hair is on stage or how good you look in a bikini. It's an opportunity for these girls to be advocates for what they're passionate about,' said Martinez, who does breast cancer advocacy.
Miss New York's parents were born in the Dominican Republic and told NBC News she learned her work ethic from them.
'They got a job once they got off the plane,' said Diaz. 'We've always made that important and it is in all cultures but especially in Latino cultures.'
Miss Texas has a similar connection to her heritage. 'The way I was raised, my parents never wanted me to forget my roots,' said 22-year-old Mexican-American Yliana Guerra.
'Respect is number one,' she said. 'The respect you have for your parents and grandparents is huge in our culture.'
The reigning Miss USA, 25-year-old Nia Sanchez from Nevada, is of mixed ancestry, including Mexican
Miss USA Contestants rehearse onstage during the 2015 Miss USA Pageant Rehearsals at The Baton Rouge River Center on Saturday
The 51 women represent every state and the District of Columbia in the pageant, which will qualify the winner to participate in the Miss Universe pageant
Reelz television stepped in to air the contest, saying that the pageant and the women who compete in it 'are an integral part of American tradition.' The station also said Trump would not profit from the deal
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