"One of the biggest challenges facing the United States is social and economic inequality. How do we narrow the gap between the rich and poor?" asked judge Nigel Barker.
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Mejia, visibly rattled, stood silently for several seconds before responding, "When it comes to social and economic inequality, I think that the rich and the poor need to stop being so segregated. I think there is a middle class. I think that the rich need to ..."
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She stopped again and was met with a round of supportive applause as co-host Terrence J urged her to "take a breath."
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She continued, "I think that the rich need to be able to be giving, and I think the poor need to work hard, and I think the middle class need to come together and find an in-between."
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Here's what social media users had to say:
To be honest, we've seen worse. Remember this gem from the Miss Teen USA pageant in 2007?
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