The CEO of Miss America makes a public apology to Vanessa Williams, the first black woman to win Miss America title back in 1983. A scandal of her surfaced when she was still wearing the title, causing her to give up the crown.
Back in 1983, Vanessa Williams was crowned as the first black woman who won the Miss America title. After that, nude photos of her were spread all over that caused her forfeit her title 10 months later. For the first time in 32 years after the incident, she came back to Miss America, now as one of the judges. According to the Morning After, Vanessa was singing on stage as giant screens were projecting headlines about her scandal. Miss America CEO Sam Haskell then addressed the controversy onstage and apologized to the former Miss America.
"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", Haskell said. US Magazine reports that the apology was unexpected and yet appreciated it fully. Vanessa stated that she did the best she could during her reign, and she's honoured to be back after all those years.
Williams went on with her life to become a famous singer and actress after her scandal. ABC News reports that after her controversial scandal 32 years ago, she made a debut album back in 1988 and has sold more 7 million records worldwide. She has had several Emmy and Grammy nominations to name a few.
She has led a successful life even after the scandal that she went through. Though she have gone through a rough time being the first African-American Miss America, many people now admire her for managing to work her life through it.
Join the Conversation