Fashion enthusiast and stylist Jeannie Mai has recently showed a bright disposition as one of the co-hosts of the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants, amidst the controversies surrounding the beauty competition.
After Miss USA 2015 hosts Cheryl Burke and Thomas Roberts gave up their hosting stints because of Donald Trump's comments against some Mexicans, Jeannie Mai is standing firm by saying she will continue her role as co-host of the upcoming Miss USA pageant this July.
"While I absolutely do not condone Mr. Trump's statements, after careful deliberation I have decided to continue my role as co-host of the upcoming Miss USA Pageant," the 36-year-old Vietnamese-Chinese host said in a statement.
She added that the mission of the Miss Universe Organization is to unite women from all over the world and celebrating different cultures, adding that she cannot "abandon these women."
Her Facebook post however, received mixed reactions from her fans and followers with some seen supporting her decision and others expressing disappointment over her stand.
One comment from Ruth Espinoza said, "Wonder if she would have the same course of action if Mr. Trump were to bash the Asian."
"I'm so disappointed on you Jeannie, you talked many times as a daughter of an immigrant, and I think to support [the] immigrant image [is] more important than a pageant show," Facebook user Eliana Chavez wrote. "Every woman is beautiful [in] her own way and we don't need a show or a crown to [celebrate that]."
Jeannie Mai, before becoming the co-host of the pageant, grew up in San Jose as the daughter of a Vietnamese immigrant father and Chinese mother. Her IMDb profile said she began entertaining at an early age using her mother's make-up and making "mock interviews" with her family members inside their home.
Nevertheless, there are fans who supported her decision and praised her for standing by the pageant girls.
"The Miss Universe Organization should be proud to have a smart, beautiful and driven woman as yourself to be part of their program! Thank you for not penalizing these women for someone else's mistake! Kudos to you!" said Jacinta Devlin in a Facebook comment.
Fans will still see Jeannie Mai hosting the Miss USA 2015 pageant this July 12 which will be aired on ReelzChannel.
"As long as there is one woman standing there on that stage, I intend to be standing there beside her," Jeannie Mai noted in her statement.
