Top Beauty Pageant Scandals that Shocked the World

The origins of beauty pageants date back to ancient Greece and medieval times, evolving into a public display for contestants from around the world to showcase their talents, opinions on social issues, and physical appearance. Despite the benefits, pageants have been criticized for promoting unrealistic beauty standards and objectifying contestants. Several former winners have faced consequences for their past actions, affecting their results. Instances such as Caroline Jurie forcefully removing the crown of the 2021 Mrs. Sri Lanka winner, and Ramsey Carpenter-Bearse, a former Miss Kentucky, sending explicit photos to a minor, have tarnished the industry’s reputation. Notable incidents include Miss USA 2018 Sarah Rose Summers mocking English language skills and a Miss Massachusetts skit that made light of the #MeToo movement. Additionally, Lu Parker, Miss USA 1994, was arrested for taking $200 headphones at an airport, and Karlie Hay, Miss Teen USA 2016, faced backlash for tweets containing racial slurs. The Miss America organization faced controversy in 2017 when CEO Sam Haskell resigned after inappropriate emails were exposed. Despite these scandals, the beauty pageant industry continues to thrive, providing contestants with career opportunities and scholarships. The future of beauty pageants will depend on how the industry addresses and rectifies such incidents to maintain its relevance and positive impact on society.

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