Perez Hilton in Miss USA controversy

Perez Hilton has called Miss California a "dumb bitch" after her response to his question on same-sex marriage during this year's Miss USA competition.

The celebrity blogger asked Carrie Prejean if she thought every state should follow the recent example of Vermont, which became the fourth in the union to legalise gay marriage.

Carre Prejean said: "In my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman.

"No offence to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised and that's how I think it should be - between a man and a woman."

In a video blog, Hilton said: "She gave the worst answer in pageant history. She lost not because she doesn't believe in gay marriage. Miss California lost because she's a dumb bitch."

He later told MSNBC: "I was absolutely shocked, and frustrated and hurt and disappointed because that is not the kind of woman I want to be Miss USA.

"Miss USA should represent all Americans and with her answer she was divisive and instantly alienated millions of gay and lesbians, their family, their friends and supporters."

Prejean, who finished as a runner up to Miss North Carolina, told Access Hollywood: "I feel like I won. I feel like I'm the winner. I really do.

"[My answer] did cost me my crown. I wouldn't have had it any other way. I said what I feel. I stated an opinion that was true to myself and that's all I can do."