Miss America CEO Apologizes to Vanessa Williams
During Sunday’s 2015 Miss America Competition, Miss America CEO Sam Haskell apologized to former Miss America Vanessa Williams. Williams was named Miss America in 1983, but was pressured to give up her crown after a risqué photo shoot of her was published. Haskell said, “I want to apologize for anything that was said or done that made you feel any less the Miss America that you are and the Miss America you always will be.”
Williams, her eyes shining with tears, accepted the apology with grace. “Thank you so much,” she told Haskell. “So unexpected but so beautiful.” Later that evening, Miss Georgia was crowned the new Miss America.
