Miss America axes swimsuit competition
New leader says, ‘We are no longer a pageant’
Gretchen Carlson, who took over as chairwoman of the Miss America Organization Board of Trustees after the group’s email scandal, announced on Tuesday’s “Good Morning America” that the swimsuit competition has been eliminated.
“We are no longer a pageant; we are a competition. We will no longer judge our candidates on their outward physical appearance,” Carlson said. “That means we will no longer have a swimsuit competition.”
Carlson said the evening-gown portion also will be revamped. “We’re no longer judging women when they come out in their chosen attire – their evening wear, whatever they choose to do. It’s gonna be what comes out of their mouth that we’re interested in, when they talk about their social impact initiatives.”
Carlson, who was awarded the Miss America crown in 1989, said this was a board decision. She acknowledged “change can sometimes be difficult,” but was excited for the competition to be “evolving in this cultural revolution.”
Carlson is hopeful this pivot will attract candidates of all shapes and sizes.
“We are now open, inclusive and transparent, and I want to inspire thousands of young people across this country to come and be a part of our program,” she said, “because we want you and we want to celebrate your accomplishments and your talents.”
In December, vulgar emails about former contestants by the group’s leadership caused a shake-up in the organization. Three top figures resigned, including its former executive chairman and CEO, Sam Haskell. Lynn Weidner, who acted as chairwoman of the board, and COO Josh Randle also resigned.
Carlson, a target herself, expressed her disappointment on Twitter in December: “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the disgusting statements about women attributed to the leadership of the MAO.”
The 2019 Miss America Competition will broadcast live on Sept. 9 on ABC.