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Today in History: Vanessa Williams resigns as first Black Miss America

7/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On July 23, 1984, Vanessa Williams resigned as Miss America, becoming the first titleholder to do so. This followed the publication of unauthorized nude photographs by Penthouse magazine, which sparked a media controversy. In 2016, she received a public apology during the Miss America pageant for the events that led to her resignation.

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Story summary

On July 23, 1984, Vanessa Williams resigned as Miss America, becoming the first titleholder to do so. This followed the publication of unauthorized nude photographs by Penthouse magazine, which sparked a media controversy. In 2016, she received a public apology during the Miss America pageant for the events that led to her resignation.