Unveiling the Dark Side of Beauty Pageants: A Look at Notorious Scandals and Controversies
Beauty pageants, renowned for their glamour and allure, often hide a tumultuous world filled with scandals and controversies beneath their sequined surfaces. Competitive events like Miss USA and Miss Universe have seen their share of dramatic incidents over the years that reveal the complexities and challenges faced by contestants. From high-profile resignations to heated disputes, here’s a look at the most notorious scandals that have shaken the pageant world.
The Vanessa Williams Controversy
Vanessa Williams made history as the first African-American to win the Miss America title, but her reign was abruptly cut short in 1984. After racy photographs surfaced in Penthouse, Williams was forced to resign, a move that garnered widespread media attention. Decades later, the Miss America organization publicly apologized to her, acknowledging the unfair treatment she received. Williams remarked on this apology as a significant step towards healing and recognition.
Racism in the Spotlight: Karlie Hay
Hours after being crowned Miss Teen USA in 2016, Karlie Hay found herself embroiled in controversy when racist tweets she made in her youth resurfaced online. The Miss Universe Organization deemed her actions "unacceptable," yet decided she could retain her crown. Hay’s apology sparked discussions around accountability and growth, echoing the sentiments of many who have faced public scrutiny for their past mistakes.
Destiny Vélez’s Suspension
Miss Puerto Rico 2015, Destiny Vélez, faced suspension from the Miss America Organization after she posted a series of anti-Muslim tweets. Her comments were met with backlash, signaling the evolving sensitivity around issues of race and religion in the public arena. This incident highlighted the importance of awareness and thoughtfulness while communicating in the digital age.
The Selfie Scandal: Doron Matalon and Saly Greige
In 2014, Miss Israel Doron Matalon and Miss Lebanon Saly Greige sparked outrage when they took a selfie together. Despite their countries’ fraught history, the lighthearted moment was met with serious ramifications. Greige claimed Matalon photobombed her picture, whereas Matalon defended the innocent gesture, emphasizing the power of unity beyond borders.
Nia Sanchez and the Residency Controversy
Miss USA 2014, Nia Sanchez, made headlines when she struggled to recall the capital of Nevada during an interview, bringing her residency claims into question. Rumors swirled around her legitimacy as a contestant, sparking debates about eligibility and honesty in pageantry. This incident led to broader discussions about the criteria for competing in beauty pageants.
Steve Harvey’s Epic Mix-Up
The 2015 Miss Universe pageant became infamous when host Steve Harvey accidentally announced Miss Colombia, Ariadna Gutierrez, as the winner instead of Miss Philippines, Pia Wurtzbach. The misstep broke the internet, with Harvey later admitting the confusion stemmed from the bold text on the announcement card. His candid acknowledgment of the mistake illustrated the pressure contestants and hosts face in high-stakes environments.
Recounting Votes: Elizabeth Fechtel’s Crown Controversy
In a bizarre twist during the Miss Florida 2014 pageant, Elizabeth Fechtel was initially declared the winner only to be informed days later that she had actually lost due to an error in vote counting. This incident raised questions about the validity and integrity of the voting process in beauty competitions, drawing comparisons to political elections.
Amanda Longacre and Age Disqualification
Amanda Longacre’s journey as Miss Delaware 2014 came to a screeching halt when she was deemed too old to compete in Miss America, despite winning her title. The unexpected twist reflected the rigid age constraints of pageantry and the challenges faced by contestants at the cusp of their eligibility, affecting Longacre’s opportunities but not her academic achievements.
Rima Fakih’s Scandalous Photos
Miss USA 2010, Rima Fakih, faced backlash after revealing photos of her on a stripper pole from several years earlier surfaced. Fakih’s accidental fame underscored the double standards and harsh judgments public figures can face for their past actions, challenging the notion of morality in pageantry and beyond.
Carrie Prejean’s Same-Sex Marriage Statement
During the Miss USA 2009 pageant, Carrie Prejean was criticized for her response to a question about same-sex marriage, stating her belief that it should be between a man and woman. The backlash she faced illuminated the increasing tensions surrounding LGBTQ rights and the expectations placed on public figures to align with progressive viewpoints.
Laura Zuniga’s Arrest
After winning Reina Hispanoamericana 2008, Laura Zuniga was arrested along with alleged drug cartel members, leading to her dethronement. The incident spotlighted the dangerous intersection of fame, crime, and societal issues, reaffirming how public figures can become embroiled in controversies that extend far beyond the stage.
Caitlin Upton’s Infamous Answer
Miss South Carolina Teen USA 2007, Caitlin Upton, became a viral sensation after her rambling response to a question about geographical literacy. Her moment of confusion sparked widespread ridicule and served as a harsh reminder of the public’s scrutiny on pageant contestants during high-pressure moments.
Ashley Harder’s Pregnancy Controversy
When Miss New Jersey 2007, Ashley Harder, became pregnant unexpectedly, she made the difficult decision to relinquish her title. The criticism she faced reflected societal views on motherhood and pageantry, prompting conversations around the evolving rules that have, since 2023, become more inclusive.
Tara Conner’s Redemption Tour
Miss USA 2006, Tara Conner, captured headlines when she admitted to substance abuse. Instead of losing her title, Donald Trump offered her a second chance, allowing Conner to enter rehab while maintaining her status as a titleholder. This incident sparked discussions on accountability and redemption in the world of beauty pageants.
Danielle Lloyd’s Dismissal
Danielle Lloyd’s reign as Miss Great Britain ended after she revealed she had dated a judge prior to her win, violating competition rules. Her subsequent nude photoshoot for Playboy further complicated her title retention and ignited debates about strategies, ethics, and transparency within the pageant system.
Alicia Machado’s Weight Struggles
Miss Universe 1996, Alicia Machado, faced intense scrutiny when she gained weight during her reign. Trump’s comments about her appetite, combined with the pressure to conform to beauty standards, raised important discussions around body image, self-esteem, and the unrealistic expectations placed upon beauty queens.
Recent Unfoldings: Fátima Bosch and Judge Omar Harfouch
In November 2025, a clash between Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch and Thai businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil highlighted ongoing tensions within the pageant world. Bosch’s subsequent defense of women’s empowerment resonated with contestants globally. Around the same time, judge Omar Harfouch resigned over alleged voting transparency issues, indicating that scrutiny within the Miss Universe Organization is far from over.
These instances, among many others, illustrate that beneath the glitz and glamour of beauty pageants lies a world of scrutiny, controversy, and significant personal challenge. Whether it’s the struggle against societal expectations, the battle for transparency, or the need for accountability, beauty pageants continue to be more than just a competition for crowns; they reflect larger societal conversations about integrity, empowerment, and change.