MANILA, Philippines- The Miss America pageant has apologized to singer Vanessa Williams, who was a judge and performer at the competition held in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Sunday, September 13.
Miss America CEO Sam Haskell made the apology during the opening of the competition.
"On behalf of today's organization, 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," he said.
Before becoming a famous actress and singer, Vanessa was crowned Miss America in 1983. However, she was forced to resign after her naked photos, published without her in consent, appeared in Penthouse magazine.
Vanessa said that the apology was "unexpected but beautiful."
"I did the best I could as my reign of Miss America 1984, on behalf of my family, my mother in particular. I'm so honored to be back," Vanessa said.
In an interview with Good Morning America''s Robin Roberts posted by People, Vanessa said that after the scandal, she knew she had to get back on her feet.
"I knew once the dust settled I'd get the chance to show people who I am," she said.
Vanessa has appeared in various films and TV shows but is known for portraying Wilhelmina Slater in the comedy series Ugly Betty.
Georgia's Betty Cantrell won the title of Miss America 2016 and was crowned by last year's winner Kira Kazantsev of New York. – with reports from AFP/Rappler.com