Former Miss Universe Alicia Machado hits back after Donald Trump attack

A former Miss Universe winner has said she will not be "bullied" or "silenced" after Donald Trump claimed she appeared in a sex tape.

The Republican presidential candidate had tweeted that Americans should watch an alleged tape of Alicia Machado who claimed he once called her "Miss Piggy".

His rival for the White House, Hillary Clinton, responded by saying Mr Trump's early-morning social media remarks were "unhinged" and "dangerous for a president".

Venezuelan-born actress Ms Machado is the focus of a high-profile row after Mrs Clinton mentioned her on this week's TV debate.

The Democratic candidate cited disparaging remarks Mr Trump had made about Ms Machado as examples of his disrespect for women.

Mrs Clinton also aired a campaign advert following the 90-minute contest using Ms Machado's experience to highlight Mr Trump's struggle to appeal to female voters.

Ms Machado said the property tycoon used the "Miss Piggy" term when she put on weight after winning the Miss Universe title in 1996.

She also said that Mr Trump, who used to own the beauty pageant, called her "Miss Housekeeping" because of her Latina heritage.