Miss USA Serves Her Country

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. (More Miss Universe stories.)