9 Biggest Beauty Pageant Scandals Ever (VIDEO)

Beauty pageants have long been a staple of American culture, representing ideals of grace, beauty, and talent. However, beneath the glitz and glamour, these events have often been mired in controversy and scandal. The Miss Teen USA and Miss USA pageants, which are airing live this week on the CW network, are no exception. The CW made a deal to exclusively air these pageants starting in April, but the organization has been plagued by issues that have caused concern among viewers and participants alike. This article delves into some of the most notorious scandals that have rocked the beauty pageant world, shedding light on the darker side of these seemingly pristine events.

One of the most recent controversies involves the winners of the 2023 Miss Teen USA and Miss USA pageants, who resigned in protest of alleged mistreatment within the organization. This unprecedented move has prompted the CW to reevaluate their relationship with both pageants. Brad Schwartz, the CW’s programming executive, expressed his concern over the allegations, stating that the network does not condone bullying and is taking the accusations seriously. The CW is currently gathering information and monitoring the situation closely to ensure that they handle it properly.

The Miss America pageant has also faced its share of controversy over the years. One of the most notable scandals occurred when Vanessa Williams, the first black Miss America, was forced to resign after nude photos of her were published without her consent. This incident highlighted the intense scrutiny and pressure faced by pageant contestants. Years later, Williams received an apology from then-Miss America CEO Sam Haskell for the mistreatment she endured within the organization. This scandal remains a poignant reminder of the challenges and injustices that can arise in the world of beauty pageants.

Another significant scandal involves former President Donald Trump, who was once the owner of the Miss Universe organization. Various contestants have come forward with accusations against Trump, including Miss Universe 1996 Alicia Machado. In 2016, five contestants from the 1997 Miss Teen USA pageant accused Trump of walking into their dressing room unannounced. It was also revealed that Trump had bragged about seeing contestants naked backstage at his pageants. These allegations have cast a long shadow over the Miss Universe organization and have raised serious questions about the treatment of contestants.

In 2009, Miss California Carrie Prejean lost her crown after making controversial remarks about same-sex marriage. Prejean was also stripped of her Miss California USA title due to uncooperative behavior. This incident sparked a heated debate about freedom of speech and the role of personal beliefs in beauty pageants. While some defended Prejean’s right to express her views, others argued that her comments were inappropriate and did not align with the values of the pageant organization.

In 2017, Sam Haskell resigned from his position as CEO of Miss America after emails were published showing misogynistic behavior and fat-shaming of former winners. This scandal exposed the toxic culture within the organization and led to widespread calls for reform. The emails revealed a pattern of disrespect and mistreatment towards contestants, highlighting the need for greater accountability and transparency in the pageant industry.

Another shocking scandal occurred in 2018 when Miss Kentucky 2014 was sentenced to prison for distributing obscene materials to a minor. This incident shocked the pageant community and raised questions about the vetting process for contestants. It also underscored the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their status or title.

Former Miss Pennsylvania Brandi Weaver-Gates was also sentenced to prison for defrauding people by falsely claiming she had cancer. Weaver-Gates used her fake illness to solicit donations and sympathy from the public, betraying the trust of those who supported her. This scandal highlighted the potential for deceit and manipulation within the pageant world and served as a cautionary tale for both contestants and organizers.

The Miss USA 2012 pageant was also surrounded by controversy, with many contestants accusing the organization of rigging the competition. The then-Miss USA president was suspended after a town hall with contestants, and a third-party investigation found the rigging allegations to be false. Despite the findings, the scandal left a lasting impact on the pageant’s reputation and raised questions about the integrity of the judging process.

In 2024, the Miss USA 2023 and Miss Teen USA 2023 winners both resigned within days of each other due to mistreatment and bullying within the organization. This double resignation sent shockwaves through the pageant community and prompted calls for a thorough investigation into the organization’s practices. The resignations underscored the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure the safety and well-being of contestants.

The CW’s decision to air the Miss Teen USA and Miss USA pageants comes at a difficult time for beauty pageants. The network announced a multi-year deal to air the pageants in April, but the 2023 winners’ resignations just days later have cast a pall over the events. Brad Schwartz, the CW’s programming executive, expressed concern about the allegations against the pageants and emphasized the network’s commitment to supporting the women involved. The CW is taking the allegations seriously and is gathering information to ensure that they handle the situation properly.

Beauty pageants have long been a subject of fascination and controversy. While they offer a platform for showcasing talent and beauty, they also expose contestants to intense scrutiny and pressure. The scandals discussed in this article highlight the darker side of the pageant world and underscore the need for greater accountability and transparency. As the CW continues to monitor the situation and gather information, it remains to be seen how the future of beauty pageants will unfold. What is clear, however, is that the industry must address these issues head-on to ensure a fair and respectful environment for all participants.