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Back to Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Miss America pageant dumps swimsuits

The Miss America Organization announced today that it plans to drop the swimsuit competition -- a tradition that was always controversial.

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By Madeleine Brand • Jun 5, 2018 • 1 min read

The Miss America Organization announced today that it plans to drop the swimsuit competition -- a tradition that was always controversial. The organization’s chairwoman Gretchen Carlson said on Good Morning America, “We’ve heard from a lot of young women who say we’d love to be a part of your program, but we don’t want to be out there in high heels and a swimsuit. Guess what! You don’t have to do that anymore! You’re welcome. Please, come join us.” Carlson was Miss America in 1988.

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