Topless Miss Universe Pics -- Too Racy?

The Miss Universe Pageant is coming under fire thanks to a new photo shoot where some of the contestants pose topless to promote this year's event.


The pics, which feature the girls covered with body paint at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, are being called "salacious" and "alarming." FYI -- The images are blurred.

Check out pics from the shoot ... is the controversy valid?