NEW YORK — Carrie Prejean isn't going anywhere.
The 21-year-old beauty pageant winner will retain her Miss California title, a decision announced Tuesday by pageant co-owner Donald Trump.
Prejean was thrust into the public spotlight at the Miss USA pageant last month when she was quizzed by celebrity blogger and gay-rights advocate Perez Hilton.
"Vermont recently became the fourth state to legalize same-sex marriage," said Hilton. "Do you think every state should follow suit, why or why not?"
"We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage," responded Prejean. "And you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised."
Pageant officials have been outspoken about Prejean's behavior since being thrust into the spotlight, often accusing her of campaigning against same-sex marriage. But Trump said she deserves to hold onto her title.
"She gave a very honest answer when asked a tough question," Trump said at Tuesday's press conference held in New York. "It was the same answer the president of the United States gave... She has to be commended."
Prejean has also come under fire after semi-nude photos of her recently surfaced. The pictures were taken while she was a teenager and Trump said they didn't warrant the San Diego native losing her crown.
"We are in the 21st century," he said. "We have determined that the pictures taken were fine."
Trump is co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, which owns the Miss USA pageant.
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