Vanessa Williams gets apology at Miss America pageant

When Miss America’s executive chairman Sam Haskell apologized to Vanessa Williams Sunday night for forcing her to give up her crown back in the 80s amid a nude photo scandal, host Chris Harrison was as surprised as the rest of us.

“I think I’d have to be there and see the ball and feel it and make sure it was deflated or not deflated”. While Vanessa accepted the pageant’s apology, someone who wasn’t having it was her 1984 Miss America replacement, Suzette Charles, 52!

Betty Cantrell, the Georgia native with a soaring operatic voice, thought she blew her chances for the Miss America title after her onstage question.

Miss Georgia Betty Cantrell (L) reacts after winning Miss America 2016 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, September 13, 2015. When adult magazine, Penthouse, obtained the racy photos she took a year in advance, they announced their plans to buy and publish the images.

“I had tears in my eyes”, said celebrity judge Danica McKellar (Winnie from “Wonder Years”) during a press conference after the show. “I did the best that I could as my reign as Miss America 1983-84″. I want to apologize to you and to your mother, Ms. Helen Williams.

Williams’ response? “So unexpected but so handsome. I love the girls and I’m so honored to be back”.

Kudos to the multi-talented Williams for, yet again, showing unquestionable grace when accepting the apology from the Miss America institution, no matter how many decades after the fact it took to finally come.

Cantrell wants to devote her time as Miss America to promote healthy exercise and eating choices, especially for children in America.

Pageant judges score contestants from all USA states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, based on a talent competition, a personal interview, answers to an on-stage question, and appearances in gowns and swimsuits.