Miss France 2008 Keeps Title Despite Photos

Miss France 2008 will keep her crown, despite racy photos that appeared recently in a gossip magazine, but will not compete in the Miss World or Miss Universe pageants. Valerie Begue, 22, will not be stripped of the title she won Dec. 8 but will not be allowed to take part in upcoming international competitions. She described the outcome as a compromise which satisfied all parties. The pageant's criteria stipulates that candidates must never have posed or exhibited themselves in dubious outfits or poses, partially or totally nude.