“Photo Courtesy of the Miss Universe L.P., LLP”

In a first for any U.S.-based pageant organization, the Miss Universe Organization has taken the unusual step of releasing topless photos of its outgoing Miss Universe, Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela, to Maxim for the magazine’s September issue.

As you may recall, the Miss Universe Organization (which owns and operates the Miss USA pageant) treated the “topless” photo of former Miss California Carrie Prejean’s somewhat differently:

In a statement given to the Associated Press, pageant spokesman Roger Neal explained that, “Prejean has run afoul of several sections of the 12-page contract that prospective contestants were required to sign before competing…The contract contains a clause asking participants whether they have conducted themselves ‘in accordance with the highest ethical and moral standards’ and if they’ve ever been photographed nude or partially nude.”

It is also worth noting that while Miss Prejean came under scrutiny for undergoing plastic surgery (here are some particularly vile thoughts on the subject from Keith Olbermann and company on his “Countdown” program), the current Miss Universe, Dayana Mendoza, has apparently undergone plastic surgery as well.

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On a lighter note, do you really buy that it’s “topless” if the women are covering themselves with their arms?  It might not be “G” rated, but a distinction needs to be made…

I would like to thank Mr. Donald Trump and his organization for his support and defending me through the most challenging time of my life. I am so grateful for him, and the opportunity I’ve had to get to know him. I admire, and respect him. I wish Tami Farrell the best; I know she will do a great job.

I hope Americans watching this story unfold, take away the most important lesson I have learned through all of this: nothing is more important than standing up for what you believe in, no matter what the cost may be. I’ve done my best under the difficult circumstances to handle the vicious attacks with integrity and show respect to others, even those who don’t agree with me.

I worked in good faith to meet my responsibilities as Miss California USA. I have met every scheduled appearance, and responsibility, as recently as May 31st. I have followed the proper protocol requested of me and haven’t made any appearances or speaking engagements without the consent or approval from the Miss California USA or Miss Universe Organizations. I have not signed with any book publisher or taken on any business proposals. As of today, June 11, 2009, I have done everything possible to honor my contract.

I am proud to be an American, and blessed to have had the opportunity to exercise my freedom of speech. I am excited and looking forward to where God leads me in the future. I know He has big plans for me. I am proud to be the strong woman God has molded me to be. I will always stand for the truth, respectfully, and never back down.

Thank you and God Bless,

Carrie Prejean

[Ed. Note: There's more on this evolving story here, here, and here.]