Miss USA Weighs in on Mosque Controversy

Miss USA Rima Fakih talks to INSIDE EDITION about her take as a Muslim on the controversial mosque being proposed near ground zero in New York.

Miss USA Rima Fakih is stunning in a bikini as she reherses for next week's Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas.

But Rima, who is muslim, took a break from the stage to weigh in on the controversy over the proposed mosque to be built at the site near ground zero.

"I totally agree with President Obama with the statement on the constitutional rights of freedom of religion," said Fakih.

But the 24-year-old says while she supports freedom of religion in America, the people behind the mosque should consider the feelings of the families who lost loved ones on 9/11.

"It shouldn't be so close to the World Trade Center.  We should be more concerned with the tragedy than religion," said Fakih.

Fakih, who was born in Lebanon and raised in Michigan, is one of the 83 contestants competiing in the pageant, which will be broadcast Monday night.

INSIDE EDITION was behind the scenes as the beauties got some last minute hair and makeup touch ups.  Then they got all dressed up to rehearse the evening gown portion of the show.

As for the eagerly awaited swimsuit competition, Fakih has some tough competition, but she more than holds her own against the world's most beautiful women!