30 years after the first Black Miss America, Vanessa Williams, was forced to relinquish her crown over a nude photo scandal pageant officials welcome her back with an apology…
In 1984 Penthouse Magazine published a nude photo spread of Vanessa Williams with another woman just weeks before the end of her Miss America reign causing a huge scandal forcing Vanessa to give up her crown.
Last night Miss America CEO Sam Haskell apologized to Vanessa Williams and her mother stating,
"I have been a close friend to this beautiful and talented lady for 32 years."
"You have lived your life in grace and dignity, and never was it more evident than during the events of 1984 when you resigned. Though none of us currently in the organization were involved then, on behalf of today's organization, I want to apologize to you and to your mother, Miss Helen Williams."
"I want to apologize for anything that was said or done that made you feel any less than the Miss America you are and the Miss America you always will be."
