Church leaders support Miss France

PARIS, Dec. 25 (UPI) -- Support for embattled Miss France Valerie Begue, whose title has been endangered by raunchy photographs, has poured in from community and church leaders.

Begue, 22, was crowned the first Miss France from Indian Ocean island La Reunion in more than 30 years two weeks ago, but pageant officials threatened to depose the beauty queen after Entrevue, a Paris magazine, published photos from three years ago, The Times of London reported Tuesday.

The offending images include snapshots of Begue licking yogurt off a concrete ledge, floating in a pool in a crucifixion pose on a wooden cross and pictures that show her breasts.

"If she had some courage and a bit of dignity she would say: 'I'm resigning because I'm not worthy to carry on as Miss France,'" said Genevieve de Fontenay, head of the Miss France organization. "I wouldn't want to be seen touring the provinces with a girl like that. Let her stay in La Reunion."

However, support for Begue is strong on her home island, and a number of politicians and religious figures have spoken on her behalf.

"Valerie is a victim who needs support. It is not up to me to pardon her, she has not offended me," said Bishop Gilbert Aubry, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church on La Reunion.