There she is - smiles amid criticism as Miss America arrives in Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (WTXF) - There she is, the next Miss America. All 51 contestants arrived in Atlantic City for the 2019 Miss America pageant on September 9th.

But, the pageant comes to town under a cloud of controversy and a turbulent year for the organization. Much of the criticism coming from the reigning Miss America herself.

Just days before her reign ends, the 2018 Miss America and 51 other contestants made their official arrival. Amid the crowns, glitz and ball gowns, claims of bullying against the organization have taken center stage.

The reigning Miss America, Cara Mund, sat in the front row, side-by-side with the same pageant officials she harshly criticized. Earlier this month, the 24-year-old wrote a scathing letter to contestants slamming leaders of the organization.

Although the 97-year-old pageant went through a major overhaul last year, including the elimination of the swimsuit competition, even branding it "Miss America 2.0," another major controversy. Mund, ripping leaders, said:

"Our Chair and CEO have systematically silenced me, reduced me, marginalized me and essentially erased me in my role as Miss America"

"It's amazing to be back and to feel that love," Mund said.

Mund was all smiles, but she stands by her letter.

"I am very grateful for the support that I've had, but again, this week is all about our 51 women," Mund stated.

Mund claims she wasn't invited to appearances, not allowed to do media interviews. She even claimed she endured workplace bullying.

"You now have a voice, does this organization need to change?" asked FOX 29's Chris O'Connell.
"I think my letter is telling. At the same time, I am a product of this organization and I'm very grateful for that. I'll be able to go to law school from the scholarship money I earned from this organization," Mund stated.