<p>(Newser) &#8211; Miss America chairman and CEO Sam Haskell resigned Saturday&#8212;just a day after saying he wouldn't, the <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/america-organization-president-resigns-scandal-report-article-1.3717462" type="external">New York Daily News</a> reports. He was joined by chairman Lynn Weidner, president and COO Josh Randle, and board member Tammy Haddad. The resignations of Miss America leadership come after HuffPo <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/miss-america-ceo-emails_us_5a3bd266e4b025f99e153fdb?h4" type="external">published internal emails</a> Thursday that feature Haskell calling a former Miss America winner "fat and gross" and joking that he's one of very few people who haven't had sex with her, according to <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2017/12/23/3-miss-america-organization-leaders-resign-amid-scandal/979182001/?" type="external">USA Today</a>. He also mused about renaming Miss America winners "c--ts," as per the <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/miss-america-president-josh-randle-reportedly-resigns-1070264" type="external">Hollywood Reporter</a>.</p> 
<p>On Friday, Haskell was <a type="internal">suspended pending an investigation</a> as 49 former Miss America winners signed a petition calling on pageant leadership to resign. Haskell remained adamant that he wouldn't resign over what he said were false accusations and a "mistake of words." In a statement, the Miss America Organization says Haskell's resignation will take effect immediately. Randle and Weidner will stay on for the coming weeks to "facilitate a smooth transition." "The board thanks Lynn and Sam for many years of tireless work for, and significant financial support to, both the Miss America Organization and thousands of young women," the statement reads. In addition, the board says it "will be conducting an in-depth investigation" into the emails.</p>
CEO, More Resign Amid Ongoing Miss America Scandal