Sunday, Miss Georgia was crowned the 2016 Miss America, but many people were talking about an apology that was publicly issued to the first African-American Miss America winner.
Vanessa Williams was crowned Miss America in 1984, but was “forced to resign after salacious photos of her surfaced in Penthouse magazine,” according to the Today Show’s website.
After Williams’ performance, the competition's executive chairman and CEO, Sam Haskell III, apologized on air.
"I have been a close friend to this beautiful and talented lady for 32 years," Haskell said. "You have lived your life in grace and dignity and never was it more evident than during the events of 1984 when you resigned."
He continued, "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, Ms. Helen Williams. I want to apologize for anything that was said or done that made you feel any less the Miss America you are and the Miss America you always will be."
