Pageant Officials Apologize Over Skit Mocking Swimsuit Competition

By Alexyz Liggins Published on July 14, 2018 

During the Miss Massachusettes pageant, a skit was performed mocking the now non-existent swimsuit competition and the #MeToo movement.

During the historic Miss Massachusettes pageant where the states first African American title holder was announced, her win was overshadowed by a tone-deaf skit that left many speechless.

The pageant’s emcee Ami Schmitz was pretending to pray to God who was played by volunteer Rich Allegretto. In her prayer, she asks,

“Miss America did away with the swimsuit competition. We may have very well seen the last ever swimsuit competition on stage. It’s very upsetting. And I’m trying to understand, god, why it happened.”

Which was answered by Allegretto “Me too, Ami,” while holding up a #MeToo sign.

Related: Say Goodbye To The Swimsuit Portion Of The Miss America Pageant And Make Way For Inclusivity
This act left a nasty taste in many peoples mouths as some of the contestants have been affected by the #MeToo movement which is the reasoning behind the elimination of the swim category.

Maude Gorman, who represented Plymouth County was so disgusted by this action she resigned and gave up her crown. She is a sexual assault survivor who has spoken openly about being gang-raped at age 13 as part of her platform.

Allegretto, who made the #MeToo reference during the skit, said in a statement that the aim was not to poke fun at the movement. But his main goal was to talk about the uproar surrounding the removal of the swimsuit competition. By the way, representatives of the pageant boards at more than 20 states have signed on to a letter voicing disapproval over its removal.

“That was not the intention behind it,” Allegretto said.

“It was meant as a positive — meaning the Miss America pageant is getting rid of swimsuit, and the impact of what #MeToo does has been heard, and it’s great. It [was meant to] recognize the power of women and that they don’t need to be walking around in swimsuits.”

Related: Miss America Execs Resign After Disgusting Emails Surface
According to Dolores “Buffy” Rabuffo, executive director of the Miss Massachusetts board, Schmitz will not be asked back.

Take a look at the Miss Massachusettes pageant and winner below!

https://thehollywoodunlocked.com/pageant-officials-apologize-over-skit-mocking-swimsuit-competition/