Furore as Miss Universe beauties pose nude

However, the pageant organisers claim   the photos are a form of artistic expression for each contestant, adding: "We feel the images captured are fashionable and cutting edge."

The organisers of Miss Universe pageant are no strangers to controversy as they drew similar criticism earlier this year yet again for racy official photos of Miss USA, which featured the 51 hopefuls with smudged eyeliner, lingerie and come-hither expressions. The same company that owns the Miss Universe also runs the Miss USA pageant.