There was a collective hush Monday night during the first presidential debate when Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton mentioned a former Miss Universe winner as an example of how she says Republican nominee Donald Trump treats of women. Clinton name-dropped Alicia Machado, the 1996 winner of Miss Universe pageant, representing Venezuela.

“This is a man who has called women pigs, slobs and dogs and someone who has said pregnancy is an inconvenience to employers,” Clinton stated during the debate.

“One of the worst things he said was about a woman in a beauty contest,” Clinton said. “He loves beauty contests, supporting them and hanging around them – and he called this woman ‘Miss Piggy,’ then he called her ‘Miss Housekeeping’ because she was Latina. Donald, she has a name. Her name is Alicia Machado. And she has become a U.S. citizen and you can bet she is going to vote this November.”

What did former Miss Universe, Alicia Machado, have to say on the subject?

Following Clinton’s remarks, she tweeted out in Spanish her thanks for Clinton's recognition of her:

Related Stories

After the debate, Machado posted another Tweet -- a picture of herself holding a passport, with the caption, “I received my passport! I’m ready to vote For my country for you @HilaryClinton for my daughter For women workers.”

After her win in 1996, Machado reportedly gained around 60 pounds, CNN had reported (according to Machado, she said she gained closer to 15 pounds, according to Inside Edition). Following the weight gain, Trump refused to disqualify her, instead, calling her names like "Miss Piggy" and asking her to lose the weight.

Machado has since appeared at immigrant advocacy groups and has encouraged Latino voters to vote for Clinton, NBC reported. She has also lent her support to Domestics Workers Assembly.