Vanessa Williams has broken her silence on the infamous nude photo scandal that nearly derailed her burgeoning career 40 years ago. Reflecting on her journey in a recent cover story for PEOPLE Magazine, Williams discussed the highs and lows of her life in the spotlight, including the incident that almost ended her career just as it was taking off.
In 1984, Williams made history as the first Black woman to win the Miss America title. This landmark achievement brought her both acclaim and intense scrutiny, as she experienced the glamorous perks of fame, such as attending White House dinners and meeting her idol, Lena Horne. However, her time in the limelight was not without its challenges, as she also faced significant racist backlash.
The trajectory of her career took a dramatic turn in July 1984 when Penthouse Magazine acquired and announced plans to publish nude photos of Williams taken two years earlier when she was a teenager. Williams claimed that the photos were taken under the promise of anonymity. The scandal, occurring long before the age of the internet, was one of the first major nude photo controversies and had a profound impact on her.
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The fallout from the scandal was swift and severe, leading to immense public pressure on Williams to relinquish her Miss America crown. “There was a tremendous amount of onus, pressure, shame, judgment,” Williams recounted. “I took all that on as a 21-year-old. It was global. You can fail quietly, but that was a worldwide fail.”
Reflecting on her younger self, Williams expressed a mix of empathy and regret. “I look back at my 19-to-20-year-old self and think, ‘Oh my God, you were so naive, so trusting, so vulnerable.’ In your mind, you think, ‘I’m old, I know what I’m doing.’ I give myself grace now, but as a young adult, I beat myself up, like ‘I should have known better.’”
Despite the scandal, Williams managed to rebuild and sustain a highly successful career in music, film, and television. She is now preparing for her next big role: originating the character of Miranda Priestly in the London musical adaptation of “The Devil Wears Prada.”
“To create a role in a new musical has been one of my dreams,” Williams shared. “I’m still here and I’m still standing. I’m still feeling strong.”
Williams’ resilience and enduring success serve as a testament to her talent and determination, showing that even in the face of significant setbacks, it is possible to rise and thrive.
