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Miss Universe 2015 Paulina Vega Addresses Outrage Over Miss Jamaica’s Placement

No drama here! Despite live audience and Internet outrage over the results of the 2015 Miss Universe Pageant this past Sunday, Jan. 25, over fourth runner-up Miss Jamaica Kaci Fennell, the victorious Miss Colombia Paulina Vega told HuffPost Live that she considers all the finalists “winners.” 

Related: PHOTOS: 2015 Miss America bikini bodies

miss universe
Miss Universe 2015 Paulina Vega

Vega, 22, beat out runner-up Miss USA Nia Sanchez, and finalists Fennell, Miss Ukraine Diana Harkusha, and Miss Netherlands Yasmin Verheijen for the crown during the 63rd annual pageant. Fennell, 22, was the clear fan favorite to win, and her lower final placement drew audience boos and quickly inspired backlash on social media, including a trending hashtag #MissJamaicaShouldHaveWon.

Related: PHOTOS: Miss Universe 2015 finalists

“At the rehearsals I related with Miss Jamaica a lot, we just joked around the whole time, and I think it was a shock for some of the group of the auditorium that she didn’t get a better position,” the Barranquilla native told HuffPost Live.

Related: PHOTOS: Stars' pageant pasts

Fennell, of Kingston, Jamaica, drew fan support after declaring sprinter Usain Bolt and reggae legend Bob Marley, her country’s greatest worldwide contributions during the pageant.

“I think that just the fact that we are all representing our country on this kind of platform… it’s great, it’s a privilege, we are all winners,” said Vega, who received support from fellow Colombian, actress Sofia Vergara. “I think that being the fourth runner-up of 88 girls – it’s great and it’s an honor.”

Kaci Fennell Miss Jamaica
Kaci Fennell

As for Fennell’s short cropped pixie cut? Vega is definitely a fan. “I think that short hair, it’s beautiful and she’s so elegant,” shared the brunette bombshell – it’s just not something she’s ready to try herself.

Have a question you’d like to ask a celebrity? Check out who will be appearing on HuffPost Live and submit your question to be asked live on-air!

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