They took her crown away, but she got the best revenge!! There is no Miss America who is more famous and well-accomplished than Vanessa Williams!! She has had a fantastic career!!
Totally agree. Success is the best revenge. What a classy lady! There is yet to be another Ms America or. Ms USA....as dignified and classy as Vanessa is. Keep on rockin Ms Williams. Mwah!!!
@Daniel Embree Which says what of the other past winners? I couldn't even name one or ANYTHING that they've done. Get out of your feelings and leave that hater-aid alone.
@@h3artands0uLL Seinfeld did not invent that expression. It’s an old cliché going back forever. I honestly don’t recall him saying that at all. But if he did, he was just using a common expression, not coming up with it himself.
Her reaction and her response now is just as it was back in the day when they stripped her of the crown-full of poise, grace and dignity. She held her head up high and has proven to the world 10 times over that success is the sweetest emergence from the ashes of despair. I love her and her music.
I definitely was under a rock the year the poor apology was given. Vanessa was everything for me when she won. The stripping had me pissed as a teenager. I have loved her then and NOW, her and Angela Basset are my GURLS you here me. They are just IT in every way for me. Him all up in her grille was a little cringy😖, and yes I can see definitely see the GRACE.
But did you catch the bird she flipped with her head held high. Right in the beginning of her singing... I don't think it was an 'accident' either with the way she looked dead in the camera 1st 😏😉❤️
Vanessa will you will always be my Miss America I am so grateful that my grandfather got to see Vanessa Williams become the first woman of color to win the Miss America crown. She will always be my Miss America 1984❤❤❤❤
Yes!!! Let adversity propel us forward and upward, shine our lights so bright!!!! Like Michelle Obama says: “when they go low, we go high”...so high that we’re soaring!! Amen!!
I remember the night that she became the first African American Miss America, it was proud moment in history. She showed the world how grace under fire could be handled with dignity. She rose from the ashes and created a stellar music, movie, Broadway, television career and her most important role as Mother to four children. She is truly a woman who climbed her way to the top using shear talent and determination. Seeing this video gave me goose bumps all over again like it was 1983. Makes me miss my box of Corn Flakes that she was on as Miss America. I had it until my last move three years ago.
Yeah, I remember that night. Black people around the world was so proud and we supported her through and through when they took her crown away. Now, they owe Janet Jackson an apology.
I literally was holding back tears, at him apologizing to Vanessa. She's such a gracious lady, she handled it very graciously. So glad her mom got to see this, the good it did her heart.
When she first song on the talent show, my grandfather was barely paying attention, he stopped and said “That beautiful black woman has a beautiful voice. I think she may win this.” We laughed cause we didn’t think she was black, my grand father said “Trust me, that’s a black woman. She may not look it, cause her whiter genes are shining through, but she got enough black blood to classify her as black.” He was right..
Saw this for the first time. I'm just in tears. So proud of Vanessa. Love the response from how the audience just loved her and cheers her on. So deserving.
Vanessa Williams is a great example of how I want to live my life. Growing and learning from my mistakes and not repaying the people that did me wrong with revenge ( cause karma in the end will surely come for them and I believe that). And most importantly choosing not to let my mistakes define me.
@@Nola504Nola It didn't matter if it was Playboy or Penthouse. She posed nude and the WWF, at the time, they was embarrassed. Any woman who posed nude and they were famous then got into trouble for that. Remember, Miss America, during her reign, was shown to be wholesome and flawless. Vanessa Williams tainted that image by posing nude.
@@arnoldhenryShe posed nude while a college student at Syracuse University and working with a famous photographer. He arranged a photo shoot in NYC with another photographer who took the suggestive poses. Upon seeing them she asked for them to be given to her and the negatives destroyed, which she believed was done. After her winning the Miss America contest Penthouse magazine obtained the photos and without her permission published several of them. She was not officially removed as Miss America but did lose millions of dollars in endorsements and was asked to not attend the 1984 pageant. She attempted to sue Penthouse but it became such a long drawn out process she just gave up and decided success would be her greatest “revenge”. I believe she has done that extremely well.
I was in the audience the night she won! We picked her as the winner from the moment she stepped on stage. Plus her talent competition song was incredible. Smoke gets In Your Eyes !
@@jrubybowman Exactly 💯 👏 The remake of HER idol and mentor Barbara Streisand's "Happy Days" are here again, for sure, for the one and only VANESSA WILLIAMS ❤️
I cried when I saw this for the first time. Its so emotional and I love how Vanessa is singing and smiling. She was Miss America when I was born. She is still so beauty.. especially her soul and character
She is one of the most talented people around. She never needed this achievement to become the shining start she is now. She is not only physically beautiful, but she truly has inner beauty that few people actually have. She deserves more than an apology but I’m so glad she got that.
@@Tha90sKid In all honesty, I'm sure the NFL had contacted Janet many times for a public moment akin to this one but she certainly has constantly refused, which I can't blame her for. They actively tried to destroy her life and her career she worked her ass off for decades so far. She's better off without them for sure!
@@BroJo676hat was Leslie Mooves at CBS who got fired for lying about misconduct. Leslie’s wife Julie Chang left the Talk when she could not defend his conduct. Justin Timberlake knew Leslie could ruin his career so Justin went to kiss the royal ring of Leslie Mooves. Janet felt her apology was owed to the fans which she did. But that angered Les Moonves when she refused to pay homage to CBS. Which takes a lot of guts as they own MTV and other affiliates. MTV also faced allegations of racism towards Micheal Jackson back in the 80s
It was way overdue. She is a beautiful Woman and very talented. She did not deserve the way she was treated back then. She showed the whole world you can't keep a good Woman down. She is truly a strong Woman. A beautiful Lady
I have ALWAYS been a fan of Vanessa since she was crowned. She always had grace and class through that whole fiasco. She showed the world she was TALENTED and she stood her ground. She is the definition of a Superstar! I'm so happy that someone in the Miss America organization had the class to appologize to her and her family for what she went though.
My fav of all time. She never quit being my Miss America. She has all the talent and poise, but I’m just going to say it .. she’s drop dead gorgeous, too
Her pictures were leaked, without her consent, to Playboy. In today’s world that would be considered a sex crime. She was one of the first public figures to be a victim of a sex crime, and she was blamed for it. To me, this apology reflects our cultural shift around how we treat women and sexual assault survivors. Looking out far ahead, I can see an arc bend.
They were not leaked,they were sold by the owner & Vanessa was old enough to consent to the contract.And contrary to myth,the owner sold the pictures way before she was competing.When the show aired it was months later.Some boys in my town had the magazines & were showing them around school then we saw it was her in the pictures much later.
Love her. I was devastated when that happened back in 1984 and since then, have been so saddened how no one apologized. She didn't do anything outside of what others have done before her and since her, yet she was demonized for doing what she had to do to survive most likely because she was the FIRST. Ms Williams is the epitome of strength, determination, talent, grace, intelligence. So glad they honored her with a formal apology. She's a one of a kind. God bless her and her family
You'll never know how proud I was to see you win your crown as a young African American woman myself. Even now, I am still a fan! I've been watching you grow over the years in your God giving talents, I've have never wavered in my faith for you! You took the high road and really became a Queen!
She surely showed the world what resilience looks like.She deserved the apology.I remember the Saturday night in 1983 when she won!! My mother and I cheered and screamed that night. This is a full circle moment!!!❤️💗💗💗I love her and always have!! Talented black woman!!! Great moment!!!
This is so beautiful. The truth. So proud of Vanessa Williams! And I have great respect for Sam Haskell for publicly apologizing in such a heartfelt way. I cry every time I watch this.
I've always loved Vanessa. Everytime there's an opportunity to see her on the screen either acting or singing, I would never miss it. Love from the Philippines.
Triumphant in life! What a class act....and the epitome of what a Miss America embodies....beauty, intelligence, class, talent and a undeniable universal appeal. Success is the sweetest revenge! Bon Appetit'
Big props to the CEO!! I was a senior in high school when she was crowned. I remember the moment like yesterday. I'm so extremely proud of Vanessa and continue to admire her to this day!! #AlwaysMyMissAmerica
5.15 to 5.39... I can play and replay that endlessly! So true and touching to see them apologize and acknowledge the timeless and talented Vanessa Williams 🙏🙏🎊🎉🎇🎈🎈😘😘🎶🎶👍👍👍👍
Vanessa deserved the crown regardless, she is so beautiful and talented. You deserved the apology back then. You proved yourself and then some. You have a great voice if you read these. I'm glad that you acclaimed so much success in your life. You are really a force to be reckoned with. Simply the best in your work. You do have grace and dignity. I am glad that they publicly apologised to you and that you have a wonderful family who stood behind you. I silently stood by you hoping that you'll come through this. I am no one that you know except a female fan and I am so proud of you. You deserved much, much more. You are also a good actress and a solid one.
@@josehinojosa9752 So true! Im certain they would. Its a special gift to be multi-talented. This brings back memories, im 46 now had Vanessa's 1st 2 albums growing up. Honestly, all the songs were wondetful. Never had to rewind or fast foward. Some i felt should've been releases but weren't
This is the first time I’ve ever seen this apology. So heartfelt & long overdue Vanessa Williams has shown extraordinary grace, humility, dignity & poise! She has proven to be talented beyond & continues to grace us with all that she is! I’m so proud of this moment as I was when she won her title in 1983!
She was the most beautiful Miss. America ever. If they had not taken her crown, she would have easily won Miss. World! She is an immensely talented person. She has a beautiful voice just like her exterior and interior, and she can act as well!
She may not have been stripped of the title as such. But the pressure that the organization put on her was overwhelming. So rather than cause any further controversy she bravely chose to go in a dignified manner. All that from a woman barely 20 years old. And for what? Some arty photos she posed for as a teenager. She did nothing to deserve the condemnation and the treatment she received. But she sure showed them what she was made of. What a champion lady she is. To me Vanessa Williams is a national treasure.
She was stripped of the title. Her name was removed from the records as the winner. It was 7 weeks left of her reign when the pictures were released. The title was given to Suzette Charles, first runner up. She is listed as Miss America 1984. I hope Vanessa Williams name is restored to the records.
I cannot name another Miss America. Vanessa Williams is the only Miss America that I know. I love Vanessa's songs and I keep her Christmas album "STAR BRIGHT" on repeat during the holidays.
She is the most beloved Miss America. I got a chance to see her in ct. when she did an interview on our local radio show. She was with her small children at the time. She looked so beautiful. Slot of people called in to say how much she is loved.
I never knew that they actually apologized. She deserved that apology. Her dignity and grace are that of royalty. Queen Vanessa, thank you for opening doors.❤
Beautiful, talented and classy!! She did so well after her title debut!! Always said she used the Miss America title as a stepping stone not a stumbling block!! I love you Vanessa Williams you did well 💕💕💕💕💕
I've always said, as so many have commented here, that her super successful career showed them n the world that she was destined for greatness. Even though they tried to crush her she's been the most successful Miss America. I've ALWAYS loved her
I love Vanessa L. Williams and have since I was 14 years old, watching her receive her crown as Miss America. I have no idea why RUclips recommended this video today all these years later, but I am grateful that you posted it, Phillip!!! 🤗🥰🤗
Vanessa did exactly what she set out to do - however she got there. She became an international beloved superstar Oscar winner with her music, acting career and her style and grace - nothing could have stopped her from that!
Wow....I am only seeing and hearing about this now in 2023 as it popped up in my feed! Beautiful tears to see this and this song and all the images in the background. She killed this song and you could feel her energy. She has and always will be "Miss America" for me even then as a teen - this fiasco did not phase me. And I even saw the photos back then and though how nice and artistic they were, and never understood the issue. I mean it is nice that they did this but she has had her own amazing career in music and tv et al without them. It is stiil very cathartic to see this.
♥ the most beautiful miss usa ever ♥. Was so angry about her losing the title over something so petty. But like the legendary Phoenix who rose from the ashes, Vanessa Williams inspired us all by all of her accomplishments. Love and admire her for it. ♥
Oh my goodness! I am just seeing this and I am in tears! I was an AA “pageant girl” and remember when they stripped her of her crown. 😢 She was poised and beautiful then and she is even more so! I am so glad she and her mother received the apology they so deserved. 🥲👏🏾 👼🏾
Wow! Im literally in tears and so proud 🥲 of this unapologetic Black woman. Her life has come full circle in such a glorious and magnificent way. She epitomizes the says that “tough times don’t last always but tough people always do” and that “a setback is just a setup for a powerful come back.” We love you Vanessa!
That brought tears to my eyes. I was so proud the night she won and was devastated she was forced to resign. I so appreciate that the new leadership saw fit to honor her with this long overdue apology. She made a wonderful career despite what happened in 1984. So proud of Vanessa Williams!!👏🏽👏🏽👍🏽💕
She is a woman of great and numerous talents, without the crown she will still shine bright.she has proven that time and time again. the legend herself 👑💐❤😘
GORGEOUS , TALENT, SMART, CLASSY, AND ELEGANT. SHE IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE MISS AMERICA. WHAT I LOVE♥️ABOUT VANESSA WILLIAMS , A BEAUTIFUL LADY INSIDE AND OUT.
I remember watching a very confident Vanessa W on that stage and it won the judges over. She knew she was going to be on Broadway and she knew she'd make it as an actress/singer. She's an example of perseverance and now she gets to enjoy the fruits.
In my opinion, after the way they treated her back when she was dethrowned.... They can stick their "so called" apology, where the sun dont shine! She Is who she Is, with her talent, her hard work, and her dignity!
This was so great to see. Vanessa Williams has maintained her grace, dignity and poise all of these years. She is the epitome of what Miss America should be. This was long overdue, but better late than never. 3 of my favorite songs from her will always be "Dreamin'", "Save The Best For Last" and "Colors of The Wind"
Miss America 1984 you will always be our Queen, our Queen of the world. Thank you for all the wonderful memories, talent care, and love. No Miss America will be compared to you. Amazing! God Bless you and wishing always the best in life.
Now that's how you do an apology. None of that hiding behind a keyboard nonsense. You ridicule and cheat on live TV, you take responsibility and apologize on live TV. Love it!
Ooh Chile! Miss Wilhemina slater showed up and showed out. Colors of the wind! Vanessa Williams has stood the test of time with class and grace. Apology was long overdue
![Vanessa Williams - Colors Of The Wind (Live) [1080p60 Remastered]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/95h_tNkdU18/mqdefault.jpg)
They took her crown away, but she got the best revenge!! There is no Miss America who is more famous and well-accomplished than Vanessa Williams!! She has had a fantastic career!!
Wrong! They took away the title. She got to keep her crown.
exactly
Totally agree. Success is the best revenge. What a classy lady! There is yet to be another Ms America or. Ms USA....as dignified and classy as Vanessa is. Keep on rockin Ms Williams. Mwah!!!
@Daniel Embree shut up hater
@Daniel Embree Which says what of the other past winners? I couldn't even name one or ANYTHING that they've done. Get out of your feelings and leave that hater-aid alone.
As Jerry Seinfeld said, “The best revenge is living well”. And Vanessa Williams nailed it. This is a good thing to see.
When did Jerry say that?
@@h3artands0uLL Seinfeld did not invent that expression. It’s an old cliché going back forever.
I honestly don’t recall him saying that at all. But if he did, he was just using a common expression, not coming up with it himself.
Her reaction and her response now is just as it was back in the day when they stripped her of the crown-full of poise, grace and dignity. She held her head up high and has proven to the world 10 times over that success is the sweetest emergence from the ashes of despair. I love her and her music.
Why they striped her of the crown
I definitely was under a rock the year the poor apology was given. Vanessa was everything for me when she won. The stripping had me pissed as a teenager. I have loved her then and NOW, her and Angela Basset are my GURLS you here me. They are just IT in every way for me. Him all up in her grille was a little cringy😖, and yes I can see definitely see the GRACE.
But did you catch the bird she flipped with her head held high. Right in the beginning of her singing... I don't think it was an 'accident' either with the way she looked dead in the camera 1st 😏😉❤️
@@sonjaanderson6933 some x-rated pics of her were leaked
Facts!
NOONE will ever sing Colors Of The Wind like her❣️👏🏻👍🏻💥
That song is really meant for her. One of the commenters in another video said that Vanessa is the most elegant singer ever. I agree with them.
Absolutely 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Absolutely nobody
THISSSSS
I like hers but Judy Kuhn snapped
Vanessa will you will always be my Miss America I am so grateful that my grandfather got to see Vanessa Williams become the first woman of color to win the Miss America crown. She will always be my Miss America 1984❤❤❤❤
My Fav Quote from Vanessa Williams is "Sucess is the best revenge"
That was fantastic!
Teddy Kurniawan It’s a Sinatra quote.
It applies to Vanessa Williams.
Yes!!! Let adversity propel us forward and upward, shine our lights so bright!!!! Like Michelle Obama says: “when they go low, we go high”...so high that we’re soaring!! Amen!!
Wooooow ❤️
I remember the night that she became the first African American Miss America, it was proud moment in history. She showed the world how grace under fire could be handled with dignity. She rose from the ashes and created a stellar music, movie, Broadway, television career and her most important role as Mother to four children. She is truly a woman who climbed her way to the top using shear talent and determination. Seeing this video gave me goose bumps all over again like it was 1983. Makes me miss my box of Corn Flakes that she was on as Miss America. I had it until my last move three years ago.
Yes.
TY.
Yeah, I remember that night. Black people around the world was so proud and we supported her through and through when they took her crown away. Now, they owe Janet Jackson an apology.
I literally was holding back tears, at him apologizing to Vanessa. She's such a gracious lady, she handled it very graciously. So glad her mom got to see this, the good it did her heart.
Me too!!! It was a great moment!!! Graceful woman!!!
When she first song on the talent show, my grandfather was barely paying attention, he stopped and said “That beautiful black woman has a beautiful voice. I think she may win this.” We laughed cause we didn’t think she was black, my grand father said “Trust me, that’s a black woman. She may not look it, cause her whiter genes are shining through, but she got enough black blood to classify her as black.” He was right..
Saw this for the first time. I'm just in tears. So proud of Vanessa. Love the response from how the audience just loved her and cheers her on. So deserving.
So much tears . She still stands proud with grace just an amazing woman love her so much
I'm over here Boo hoo'ing
She's more beautiful the older she gets❤
Simply one word needs to be said, stunning!
Love Diva’s Christmas Carol! Still!!!❤
They came back to bow at her feet. That is success. Classy woman. She never spent 10 seconds dwelling on any of it.
I agree. This apology was long overdue.
Grey Angel
That's because she's a hero 👍🏾
Vanessa Williams is a great example of how I want to live my life. Growing and learning from my mistakes and not repaying the people that did me wrong with revenge ( cause karma in the end will surely come for them and I believe that). And most importantly choosing not to let my mistakes define me.
@@maryhlad5277Apology for what?
Looks like he came back to grab a piece of her.
Never met the woman, but I'm so proud of her. One of the best and most successful Miss Americas ever.
I did NOT know about this! This made me cry! It is about TIME they apologized. Her grace is unmatched!!
She posed nude for Playboy and she had to resign because of that. The organization was embarrassed and, at that time, became a scandal.
@@arnoldhenryNah these were Penthouse type pictures. Playboy doesn't do vulgar shoots like Vanessa did. Did you see them?
@@Nola504Nola It didn't matter if it was Playboy or Penthouse. She posed nude and the WWF, at the time, they was embarrassed. Any woman who posed nude and they were famous then got into trouble for that. Remember, Miss America, during her reign, was shown to be wholesome and flawless. Vanessa Williams tainted that image by posing nude.
I wept also. Very moving apology
@@arnoldhenryShe posed nude while a college student at Syracuse University and working with a famous photographer. He arranged a photo shoot in NYC with another photographer who took the suggestive poses. Upon seeing them she asked for them to be given to her and the negatives destroyed, which she believed was done. After her winning the Miss America contest Penthouse magazine obtained the photos and without her permission published several of them. She was not officially removed as Miss America but did lose millions of dollars in endorsements and was asked to not attend the 1984 pageant. She attempted to sue Penthouse but it became such a long drawn out process she just gave up and decided success would be her greatest “revenge”. I believe she has done that extremely well.
I was in the audience the night she won! We picked her as the winner from the moment she stepped on stage. Plus her talent competition song was incredible. Smoke gets In Your Eyes !
I also had to by chance meetings with her. She is Stunning! ♥️
Wooooow I wasn't born then
no Vanessa's talent was signing "Happy Days Are Here Again" remember? You were in the audience??
@@jrubybowman Exactly 💯 👏 The remake of HER idol and mentor Barbara Streisand's "Happy Days" are here again, for sure, for the one and only VANESSA WILLIAMS ❤️
@@jrubybowman maybe that was her prelim night talent?
No Miss America in history is known outside America. Vanessa Williams became super Iconic with 2 TV characters and classic ballads.
Well it's for America...😂😂😂😊
Her come-back stroll past photos while singing "Oh How the Years Ago By" gave me goosebumps.
I cried when I saw this for the first time. Its so emotional and I love how Vanessa is singing and smiling. She was Miss America when I was born. She is still so beauty.. especially her soul and character
Am glad am not the only that cried.
As a man, I almost did too.
me too
She is one of the most talented people around. She never needed this achievement to become the shining start she is now. She is not only physically beautiful, but she truly has inner beauty that few people actually have. She deserves more than an apology but I’m so glad she got that.
I truly believe she is one of God's angels sent down to earth. Her inner beauty has shone through and is such an inspiration for the world!
Waiting for the Superbowl CEO apologies for Janet Jackson !
Yesss!!!!
@@Tha90sKid In all honesty, I'm sure the NFL had contacted Janet many times for a public moment akin to this one but she certainly has constantly refused, which I can't blame her for. They actively tried to destroy her life and her career she worked her ass off for decades so far. She's better off without them for sure!
@@BroJo676 Exactly
@@BroJo676hat was Leslie Mooves at CBS who got fired for lying about misconduct. Leslie’s wife Julie Chang left the Talk when she could not defend his conduct. Justin Timberlake knew Leslie could ruin his career so Justin went to kiss the royal ring of Leslie Mooves. Janet felt her apology was owed to the fans which she did. But that angered Les Moonves when she refused to pay homage to CBS. Which takes a lot of guts as they own MTV and other affiliates. MTV also faced allegations of racism towards Micheal Jackson back in the 80s
Same
This brought tears...it may be a long time coming, but at least she got the apology she so deserved!!! God bless you Vanessa Williams
It was way overdue. She is a beautiful Woman and very talented. She did not deserve the way she was treated back then. She showed the whole world you can't keep a good Woman down. She is truly a strong Woman. A beautiful Lady
Watching this never gets old. So happy to see this strong, talented woman finally receive this long, long overdue apology.
I have ALWAYS been a fan of Vanessa since she was crowned. She always had grace and class through that whole fiasco. She showed the world she was TALENTED and she stood her ground. She is the definition of a Superstar! I'm so happy that someone in the Miss America organization had the class to appologize to her and her family for what she went though.
Though she did resign, they still call her Miss America 1984.
True!
The organization told her that she has to resign after the photos leaked
She only had 7 weeks left in her reign when she had to resign. Bless Suzette's heart but Vanessa Williams will always be THEE Miss America 1984.
Like the song says......
“ NO YOU CAN’T TAKE THAT
AWAY FROM ME ! “
VERY DESERVING APOLOGY !
@@zdknthn6451
NO QUESTION !
My fav of all time. She never quit being my Miss America. She has all the talent and poise, but I’m just going to say it .. she’s drop dead gorgeous, too
It's a shame it took them so long to apologize. I love how she is flipping off that middle finger as she sings.❤
You noticed that too😂
I was thinking the same thing, but thought it was just me.
Lol.....I thought my eyes were playing tricks but she really did!!!! Badass! I had to go back and look!!!
I am not sure if that is what she intended, but I did a double take too.😂
I thought I was the only one who saw that!!! 😅😅😅😅😅 Got em!!
She said, “honey, you can have that crown - watch what I’m about to do”. She was always destined for greatness. Crown or not, she reigns! 💜💜💜
Her pictures were leaked, without her consent, to Playboy. In today’s world that would be considered a sex crime. She was one of the first public figures to be a victim of a sex crime, and she was blamed for it. To me, this apology reflects our cultural shift around how we treat women and sexual assault survivors. Looking out far ahead, I can see an arc bend.
PREACH! it was bob guccione of penthouse who VIOLATED vanessa wiliams' privacy.
*Penthouse. Playboy wouldn’t take them because they didn’t have her expressed consent. But yes yes yes to all of this otherwise
They were not leaked,they were sold by the owner & Vanessa was old enough to consent to the contract.And contrary to myth,the owner sold the pictures way before she was competing.When the show aired it was months later.Some boys in my town had the magazines & were showing them around school then we saw it was her in the pictures much later.
Penthouse, actually. They were offered to Playboy, but Hugh Hefner said they were scandalous, and he didn't want to offend the black community.
@@itsjemmabond He said he was mindful of the fact that "she was the first Black Miss America."
Love her. I was devastated when that happened back in 1984 and since then, have been so saddened how no one apologized. She didn't do anything outside of what others have done before her and since her, yet she was demonized for doing what she had to do to survive most likely because she was the FIRST. Ms Williams is the epitome of strength, determination, talent, grace, intelligence. So glad they honored her with a formal apology. She's a one of a kind. God bless her and her family
34 years later and she is still BEAUTIFUL. I don't know what is more than that ,if there is a word ,SHE IS IT.Hell,look at granny.
It seems like you were complimenting Vanessa up to the point when you said "look at granny". Referring to her as old is kind of an insult.
@@bh2155 I think 738polarbear was referring to how good Helen Williams looks.
@@marieanderson5989 I think you are correct about that.
You'll never know how proud I was to see you win your crown as a young African American woman myself. Even now, I am still a fan! I've been watching you grow over the years in your God giving talents, I've have never wavered in my faith for you! You took the high road and really became a Queen!
This brought tears to my eyes! This goes to show that it’s never too late to apologize and correct a mistake ❤
She surely showed the world what resilience looks like.She deserved the apology.I remember the Saturday night in 1983 when she won!! My mother and I cheered and screamed that night. This is a full circle moment!!!❤️💗💗💗I love her and always have!! Talented black woman!!! Great moment!!!
Will she be re-instated? Did she accept the apology?🤔 good for you girl❤🎉🙏
This is so beautiful. The truth. So proud of Vanessa Williams! And I have great respect for Sam Haskell for publicly apologizing in such a heartfelt way. I cry every time I watch this.
I've always loved Vanessa. Everytime there's an opportunity to see her on the screen either acting or singing, I would never miss it. Love from the Philippines.
No one can take your grace and power from you, no matter how hard they try.
Vanessa refused to let that nonsense stop her for being very successful. Love you Ms. Williams.
Truly the best example of Miss America. I never stopped believing in you ❤. You are and will always be a QUEEN.
WOW I think my eyes are leaking 👀👀 what a great gesture!! Love you Ms Vanessa Williams all the way from South Africa 🇿🇦🇿🇦❤️🌍
Absolutely love Vanessa. Beautiful person and singer
Triumphant in life! What a class act....and the epitome of what a Miss America embodies....beauty, intelligence, class, talent and a undeniable universal appeal. Success is the sweetest revenge! Bon Appetit'
Big props to the CEO!! I was a senior in high school when she was crowned. I remember the moment like yesterday. I'm so extremely proud of Vanessa and continue to admire her to this day!! #AlwaysMyMissAmerica
I'm a grown man, and I tell you this made me emotional. Love this
This make me tears up. I’m glad she got an apology after 32 years. They took her crown away, but she was still Miss America 🇺🇸… ❤❤❤
5.15 to 5.39... I can play and replay that endlessly! So true and touching to see them apologize and acknowledge the timeless and talented Vanessa Williams 🙏🙏🎊🎉🎇🎈🎈😘😘🎶🎶👍👍👍👍
She is so gorgeous before and after... what a good gene!
I agree! She is perfection. I loved her back then and now.
a lot of exercise, too.
Vanessa deserved the crown regardless, she is so beautiful and talented. You deserved the apology back then. You proved yourself and then some. You have a great voice if you read these. I'm glad that you acclaimed so much success in your life. You are really a force to be reckoned with. Simply the best in your work. You do have grace and dignity. I am glad that they publicly apologised to you and that you have a wonderful family who stood behind you. I silently stood by you hoping that you'll come through this. I am no one that you know except a female fan and I am so proud of you. You deserved much, much more. You are also a good actress and a solid one.
M Perry they should have made everyone that was involved in 1984 apologize to her.
@@josehinojosa9752 Definitely! Taking her crown was uncalled for. Though i feel she's larger than that title. I love her singing and acting
@@tanyagary9209 true words. Any other Miss America would trade in their crown for the career Vanessa would end up having. That takes REAL talent.
@@josehinojosa9752 So true! Im certain they would. Its a special gift to be multi-talented. This brings back memories, im 46 now had Vanessa's 1st 2 albums growing up. Honestly, all the songs were wondetful. Never had to rewind or fast foward. Some i felt should've been releases but weren't
@@tanyagary9209 aww ya those albums are the best ones.
Still stunning! She could win again! She's still beautiful and talented!
Well done Vanessa. I will always love you! You're fabulous. I am tearing girl!!!! You done made me cry.
This is the first time I’ve ever seen this apology. So heartfelt & long overdue Vanessa Williams has shown extraordinary grace, humility, dignity & poise! She has proven to be talented beyond & continues to grace us with all that she is! I’m so proud of this moment as I was when she won her title in 1983!
I love you Vanessa Williams 💖. You are so beautiful inside and out!!!! I adore you, you Beauty Queen 🤗😍😘
This brought tears to my eyes. Her voice is beautiful. She succeeded despite everything!!
She was the most beautiful Miss. America ever. If they had not taken her crown, she would have easily won Miss. World! She is an immensely talented person. She has a beautiful voice just like her exterior and interior, and she can act as well!
That was touching. Getting an apology for wrongs done to you is always cathartic.
I was so glad I was there in person to witness Vanessa's homecoming. It was wonderful!
😢😊😂❤
❤❤❤❤
She may not have been stripped of the title as such. But the pressure that the organization put on her was overwhelming. So rather than cause any further controversy she bravely chose to go in a dignified manner. All that from a woman barely 20 years old. And for what? Some arty photos she posed for as a teenager. She did nothing to deserve the condemnation and the treatment she received. But she sure showed them what she was made of. What a champion lady she is.
To me Vanessa Williams is a national treasure.
She was stripped of the title. Her name was removed from the records as the winner. It was 7 weeks left of her reign when the pictures were released. The title was given to Suzette Charles, first runner up. She is listed as Miss America 1984. I hope Vanessa Williams name is restored to the records.
No she was stripped
And she was always humble. I loved that they apologized to Vanessa's mom too. That was unexpected and such a beautiful thing to do. 😢
I cannot name another Miss America. Vanessa Williams is the only Miss America that I know. I love Vanessa's songs and I keep her Christmas album "STAR BRIGHT" on repeat during the holidays.
She showed them, didn't she? She is a GODDESS!
She is the most beloved Miss America. I got a chance to see her in ct. when she did an interview on our local radio show. She was with her small children at the time. She looked so beautiful. Slot of people called in to say how much she is loved.
VANESSA WE. ❤️ LOVE YOU. I WAS SO PROUD WHEN YOU WON MISS AMERICA. YOU HAVE HAD A GREAT CAREER...❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
I never knew that they actually apologized. She deserved that apology. Her dignity and grace are that of royalty. Queen Vanessa, thank you for opening doors.❤
Beautiful, talented and classy!! She did so well after her title debut!! Always said she used the Miss America title as a stepping stone not a stumbling block!! I love you Vanessa Williams you did well 💕💕💕💕💕
I've always said, as so many have commented here, that her super successful career showed them n the world that she was destined for greatness. Even though they tried to crush her she's been the most successful Miss America. I've ALWAYS loved her
Aww, this is beautiful. Plus, she is super stunning and very talented.. I'm glad this happened in her lifetime and her mum's too ❤️
I love her" Never give up "attitude what an amazing, beautiful and strong willed woman. 👏💐
I love Vanessa L. Williams and have since I was 14 years old, watching her receive her crown as Miss America. I have no idea why RUclips recommended this video today all these years later, but I am grateful that you posted it, Phillip!!! 🤗🥰🤗
Vanessa did exactly what she set out to do - however she got there. She became an international beloved superstar Oscar winner with her music, acting career and her style and grace - nothing could have stopped her from that!
Not an Oscar winner. However she deserves the world.
She did win a Tony
Wow....I am only seeing and hearing about this now in 2023 as it popped up in my feed! Beautiful tears to see this and this song and all the images in the background. She killed this song and you could feel her energy. She has and always will be "Miss America" for me even then as a teen - this fiasco did not phase me. And I even saw the photos back then and though how nice and artistic they were, and never understood the issue. I mean it is nice that they did this but she has had her own amazing career in music and tv et al without them. It is stiil very cathartic to see this.
♥ the most beautiful miss usa ever ♥. Was so angry about her losing the title over something so petty. But like the legendary Phoenix who rose from the ashes, Vanessa Williams inspired us all by all of her accomplishments. Love and admire her for it. ♥
She was never a Miss USA. She was Miss America 1984
Oh my goodness! I am just seeing this and I am in tears!
I was an AA “pageant girl” and remember when they stripped her of her crown. 😢 She was poised and beautiful then and she is even more so! I am so glad she and her mother received the apology they so deserved. 🥲👏🏾
👼🏾
Wow! Im literally in tears and so proud 🥲 of this unapologetic Black woman. Her life has come full circle in such a glorious and magnificent way. She epitomizes the says that “tough times don’t last always but tough people always do” and that “a setback is just a setup for a powerful come back.” We love you Vanessa!
That brought tears to my eyes. I was so proud the night she won and was devastated she was forced to resign. I so appreciate that the new leadership saw fit to honor her with this long overdue apology. She made a wonderful career despite what happened in 1984. So proud of Vanessa Williams!!👏🏽👏🏽👍🏽💕
PhillipThomas Miller , thank you for uploading this memorable clip. Loved it !!!!!!
I’m seeing this for the first time. I love her! I was 11 when she became Miss America. She will always be Miss America ❤❤❤
Still a queen with or without the crown!!!🥰 Who's cutting onions!?!?
She is a woman of great and numerous talents, without the crown she will still shine bright.she has proven that time and time again. the legend herself 👑💐❤😘
This is the best thing ive seen so far the whole month
Good on you lady! You outclassed them all xxx
Vanessa Williams was and is a lady of grace and dignity. ❤
GORGEOUS , TALENT, SMART, CLASSY, AND ELEGANT. SHE IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE MISS AMERICA. WHAT I LOVE♥️ABOUT VANESSA WILLIAMS , A BEAUTIFUL LADY INSIDE AND OUT.
I remember watching a very confident Vanessa W on that stage and it won the judges over. She knew she was going to be on Broadway and she knew she'd make it as an actress/singer. She's an example of perseverance and now she gets to enjoy the fruits.
I can NOT even imagine what that triumph feels like👋👋👋👋
I love how she gives them the finger at the beginning of the song.
Haha!! I thought I was the only one who saw that!! They deserved it!
🤣🤣🤣🤣💐💐
I disagree. Coz she does it again @1.10 so imo it was just another finger gesture.
I just saw that, I would have never notices that if I did read your comment. Alright Vanessa 👍
@@saviodesilva7933
Trust Me.....
WASN’T NO FINGER GESTURE !
THAT WAS DELIBERATE !
( Surprised it wasn’t a 3rd.
1 for each decade ! )
Wow she is stunning!!!! She is grace and class and has aged wonderful! And that dress❤❤❤❤❤❤
In my opinion, after the way they treated her back when she was dethrowned.... They can stick their "so called" apology, where the sun dont shine!
She Is who she Is, with her talent, her hard work, and her dignity!
True Beauty ❤❤... Miss America 4 ever.. They tried to take it all away but did not win, U still rose to the TOP..... You will always be the 1st...❤❤❤
This was so great to see. Vanessa Williams has maintained her grace, dignity and poise all of these years. She is the epitome of what Miss America should be. This was long overdue, but better late than never.
3 of my favorite songs from her will always be "Dreamin'", "Save The Best For Last" and "Colors of The Wind"
Always was MY Miss America!! Most beautiful; Most talented; Most Successful. Loved her always!!
Thank you it’s about time.
Miss America 1984 you will always be our Queen, our Queen of the world. Thank you for all the wonderful memories, talent care, and love. No Miss America will be compared to you. Amazing! God Bless you and wishing always the best in life.
No matter the circumstances, I still & always love this lady..
Oh wow❤❤..Her moms smile says it all.. THANK YOU!.. FOR BEING MY DAUGHTER!❤🎉
The best was saved for last!
I cried watching this.
She will always the farest of them all Beautiful.
Now that's how you do an apology. None of that hiding behind a keyboard nonsense. You ridicule and cheat on live TV, you take responsibility and apologize on live TV. Love it!
Ooh Chile! Miss Wilhemina slater showed up and showed out. Colors of the wind! Vanessa Williams has stood the test of time with class and grace. Apology was long overdue
Thank you, Miss America! You STILL walk in radiant beauty!
Great Job Sis and Extremely Beautiful Sis ❤🙏🙏🙏
It is nice to see her proud Mama in the crowd❤
I’m crying right now. So beautiful 😢
She still moves with grace. I once gave her a pedicure while she was married to Rick Fox.
Just beautiful.
Vanessa you held your head up high ❤ and you showed them what Grace & Dignity look like