Video: Miss America Vanessa Williams Gets An Apology For Being Forced To Give Up Her Crown 32 Years Ago

By R. Siva Kumar - 15 Sep '15 10:05AM

After 32 years since Vanessa Williams came on the stage and won the Miss America pageant, she got a 'proper apology" at last, for having been forced give up her crown in 1984.

The 52-year-old actor-singer-model had been named head judge of the 2015 contest, and when she went up the stage on the final night of Sunday, Sam Haskell, executive chairman and CEO of the Miss America pageant, issued it.

"I have been a close friend to this beautiful and talented lady for 32 years," Haskell said at the beginning of the broadcast, according to Entertainment Weekly. "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."

It so happened that in 1984, she had been pressurised to give up her crown, though she became the first African American to win it, as Penthouse had published some of her nude photos taken in her past.

"Thank you so much," Williams replied last night, according to Vanity Fair. "So unexpected but so beautiful. "I did the best that I could in my reign as Miss America 1983-1984. On behalf of my family and my mother in particular...and your leadership and integrity, I love you. I love the girls and I am so honored."

Earlier, Haskell had told People that they wanted to invite Williams back on the stage. "We are thrilled to welcome her 'home' as our head judge as she helps select the 95th Anniversary Miss America," he said.

Miss Georgia Betty Cantrell was the winner, according to hngn.

However, with Vanessa Williams, the pageant honoured two winners on the grand day.