Vanessa Williams made her return to the Miss America pageant 32 years after she won the crown and resigned when nude photos of her were published in Penthouse magazine.
CNN noted that the 52-year-old received not only a standing ovation from the audience gathered at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, but also an apology from pageant CEO Sam Haskell.
"I have been a close friend to this beautiful and talented lady for 32 years," Haskell said of Williams. "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."
Williams did give up her crown following the publication of the photos, however, for years it was speculated that she was actually pressured into the decision.
After the public apology, a teary-eyed Williams took her place with the other judges on stage and got down to business.
Betty Cantrell of Georgia was selected as the winner of the pageant and took the title of Miss America 2016.
Click here for our exclusive interview with Williams about her partnership with Dress for Success.
Top Image courtesy of INFphoto.com
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