"If I wasn't under so much pressure I would have said, 'yeah, that is a private one,'" Hardin told Inside Edition.
Chelsea Hardin was the first runner-up in Sunday’s Miss USA pageant, and is speaking out about a divisive question that left many viewers fuming.
Read: Miss California, Daughter of 90s One-Hit Wonder, Stumbles Hard on Poverty Question
Hardin told Inside Edition: “I was ready. I was ready for whatever they threw at me.”
She was asked by Harper’s Bazzar executive editor, Laura Brown: "If the election were held tomorrow, would you vote Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump for president and why would you chose one over the other?"
The question was greeted with a chorus of boos.
Hardin replied: “It doesn't matter what gender. What we need in the United States is someone who represents those of us who feel like we don't have a voice. Those of us who want our voices heard. We need a president who will push for what is right and who will push for what America really needs. Thank you."
Hardin told Inside Edition: “If I had more time or if I wasn’t under so much pressure I would have said, ‘yeah, that is a private one. That is none of America’s business.’” She said that she is still undecided as to who will get her vote.
Outraged viewers jumped onto social media to voice their support.
“It’s none of anyone's business who you are going to vote for,” wrote one on Twitter.
Read: Military Officer Takes Miss USA Crown After Impassioned Pro-Female Soldier Speech
Another said: "Disgusted with #missusa2016 for asking Miss Hawaii who she will vote for. Delighted w/her response."
The pageant was won by Miss District of Columbia who is a 2nd lieutenant in the Army. She is also the first military member to win the crown.
Watch: Ex-Miss Pennsylvania Stands By Claim Trump's Pageant Was Rigged: 'He Doesn't Scare Me'
