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Dick Clark Productions Cuts Ties With Miss America Pageant After Email Scandal

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ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Dick Clark Productions says it has cut ties with the Miss America Organization over internal emails by pageant senior leadership that ridiculed past winners’ appearance, intelligence and sex lives.

The Huffington Post reported Thursday that the Miss America Organization’s CEO, Sam Haskell, exchanged emails with a writer for the televised pageant and others that included harsh and sometimes vulgar comments about past winners.

Dick Clark Productions, which produces the nationally televised pageant broadcasts, tells The Associated Press that it has cut ties with the pageant over the emails, calling them “appalling.”

Among the comments included in the report was a reference to former Miss Americas using a vulgar term for female genitalia that Haskell indicated he found to be amusing. Others speculated about how many men one particular former Miss America had had sex with. That same former title holder, Mallory Hagan, also was ridiculed over a bathing suit photo in which she appeared to have gained weight from when she competed in and won the pageant.

The emails have cost the pageant its television production partner, and raised questions about the future of the nationally televised broadcast from Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall the week after Labor Day each year.

Dick Clark Productions told The Associated Press Thursday night that it was made aware of the emails several months ago.

“We were appalled by their unacceptable content and insisted, in the strongest possible terms, that the Miss America Organization board of directors conduct a comprehensive investigation and take appropriate action to address the situation,” the company said in a statement. “Shortly thereafter, we resigned our board positions and notified MAO that we were terminating our relationship with them.”

In its own statement Thursday night, the Miss America Organization said that Haskell, who earns $500,000 a year as CEO, had apologized to the board for his comments. The statement did not say if he had apologized to the women mentioned by name in the emails, or whether such an apology was conveyed to them.

The organization said the emails “contain inappropriate language that is unbecoming at best and is not, in any way, indicative of the character and integrity of MAO or its representatives. Please note that MAO does not condone the use of inappropriate language and apologizes for this situation. The Board of Directors took the allegations very seriously, investigated them, and considers the matter closed.”

Haskell said he would address the matter on Friday; he did not respond to a follow-up inquiry as to whether he had apologized directly to the women named in the emails.

The comments are in stark contrast to the glowing, supportive statements Haskell repeatedly made in public about past title winners.

The Huffington Post article shows that Haskell and others directed considerable attention to Hagan, who won the 2013 pageant. He forwarded an email he had been sent regarding Hagan to a writer for the pageant, who has since been terminated.

The writer responded by questioning whether he and Haskell were part of a tiny group of people who had not had sex with Hagan.

“It appears we are the only ones!” Haskell replied, according to the Huffington Post.

Hagan did not respond to a message from the AP seeking comment Thursday night. She declined comment to the Huffington Post.

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Entertainment

Florida Strawberry Festival Announces 2027 Lineup Featuring Becky G, Shaboozey, 38 Special and more

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The March 4–14 festival in Plant City will feature country, rock, pop and faith-based performers, with advance admission and concert tickets available beginning Dec. 10.

PLANT CITY, Fla. (FNN) — Becky G, Shaboozey, 38 Special, Styx and Train are among the performers announced for the 2027 Florida Strawberry Festival, which runs March 4–14 in Plant City.

The Wish Farms Soundstage lineup brings together established favorites and emerging performers across country, rock, pop, R&B and faith-based music. Other scheduled acts include The Oak Ridge Boys, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, Charlie Wilson and Jamey Johnson.

“A Timeless Tradition”

The festival’s 2027 theme, “A Timeless Tradition,” celebrates its connection to generations of families and visitors.

Florida Strawberry Festival President Kyle Robinson said the entertainment schedule reflects that connection while offering a variety of musical styles.

“From longtime favorites to some of today’s most exciting artists, there is something for everyone to enjoy,” Robinson said in the announcement.

Country fans can catch Lorrie Morgan, Max McNown and Hudson Westbrook with McCoy Moore. The Roots & Boots show will feature Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye and Aaron Tippin.

Rock performances include Styx, 38 Special and Grand Funk Railroad. Micky Dolenz will present “60 Years of The Monkees,” while Josiah Queen and

Maverick City are also scheduled.

Complete announced headline concert schedule

All dates are in 2027, with times local to Plant City.

DateTimePerformer
Thursday, March 43:30 p.m.The Oak Ridge Boys
Thursday, March 47:30 p.m.Styx
Friday, March 53:30 p.m.Tommy James & The Shondells
Friday, March 57:30 p.m.Josiah Queen
Saturday, March 63:30 p.m.Shaboozey
Saturday, March 67:30 p.m.Max McNown
Sunday, March 76:30 p.m.Hudson Westbrook with McCoy Moore
Monday, March 83:30 p.m.Tanya Tucker
Monday, March 87:30 p.m.Maverick City
Tuesday, March 93:30 p.m.Roots & Boots featuring Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye and Aaron Tippin
Tuesday, March 97:30 p.m.Travis Tritt
Wednesday, March 103:30 p.m.Micky Dolenz: 60 Years of The Monkees
Wednesday, March 107:30 p.m.38 Special
Thursday, March 113:30 p.m.Grand Funk Railroad
Thursday, March 117:30 p.m.Charlie Wilson
Friday, March 123:30 p.m.Lorrie Morgan
Friday, March 127:30 p.m.Becky G
Saturday, March 137:30 p.m.Jamey Johnson
Sunday, March 147:30 p.m.Train

Schedule provided in the festival announcement supplied to FNN.

Tickets go on sale Dec. 10

Advance tickets for festival gate admission and headline concerts go on sale Thursday, Dec. 10, 2026, at 8 a.m. Eastern time.

Tickets will be available through:

  • In person: Amscot Main Ticket Office, 2209 W. Oak Ave., Plant City.
  • Online: flstrawberryfestival.com.
  • Mobile: The Florida Strawberry Festival app.
  • Phone: 813-754-1996.

Concert tickets do not include festival gate admission. Guests must also purchase admission to enter the festival. The festival’s official entertainment page confirms the Dec. 10 concert-ticket launch. Florida Strawberry Festival

What’s next?

Fans can review the concert schedule and plan their purchases ahead of the ticket launch. Visit the festival’s official website for current event information and ticket availability.

Stay connected to Florida National News for music, concert and entertainment coverage across Florida.

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Entertainment

“4000 Days,” “Frampton” Set for Naples International Film Festival Oct. 24–25

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NAPLES, Fla. (FNN) — Two documentaries exploring families’ fight against college hazing and the career of musician Peter Frampton will screen at the Naples International Film Festival Oct. 24–25, according to an announcement from 10 Lives Studios.

Both films will be shown at Pavilion Naples, 833 Vanderbilt Beach Road.

“4000 Days”: Families Turn Grief Into Advocacy

Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Daniel E. Catullo III and executive produced by Paris Hilton, “4000 Days” follows three families whose sons died in fraternity hazing incidents.

Gary and Julie DeVercelly, Linda and Eric Oakes, and TJ and Kim Burch joined forces to challenge hazing practices, seek accountability and push for legislative reform. The title represents the approximately 4,000 days of their struggle to turn personal loss into change, according to the filmmakers.

The 111-minute documentary premiered at Tribeca and won the Grand Jury Award at the Jersey Shore Film Festival, according to the announcement.

Catullo, Julie and Gary DeVercelly, and Eric Oakes are scheduled to participate in question-and-answer sessions following the Naples screenings.

Screenings:

  • Saturday, Oct. 24: 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 25: 11 a.m.

“Frampton”: A Career of Setbacks and Comebacks

Directed by Frampton’s longtime bandleader, Rob Arthur, and produced by Catullo, “Frampton” traces the guitarist’s rise through the Herd and Humble Pie, his breakthrough as a solo artist and his continued performances while facing a degenerative condition.

Marking the 50th anniversary of “Frampton Comes Alive!”, the documentary combines archival footage, interviews and recent performances to examine the musician’s career and resilience.

The 102-minute film features appearances by musicians and entertainers including Ringo Starr, Sheryl Crow, Tom Morello, Alice Cooper and Nancy Wilson.

After premiering at Tribeca, the documentary won the Audience Award for Music on Screen at the Calgary International Film Festival, according to the announcement.

Screenings:

  • Saturday, Oct. 24: 7:05 p.m.

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Kym Whitley, Yvette Nicole Brown to Headline First Ladies Health Initiative Brain Health Luncheon

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Side-by-side headshots of actresses Yvette Nicole Brown and Kym Whitley, speakers at the First Ladies Health Initiative brain health and caregiving luncheon.
Emmy-nominated actresses Yvette Nicole Brown, left, and Kym Whitley will participate in the First Ladies Health Initiative’s “Mindful of the Memories: A Path to Better Brain Health” luncheon Sept. 19 in Marina del Rey, California.

The Sept. 19 luncheon in Marina del Rey will spotlight Alzheimer’s, dementia, caregiving and brain health as the First Ladies Health Initiative celebrates new grant support for programs empowering girls.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (FNN) — Emmy-nominated actresses Kym Whitley and Yvette Nicole Brown will headline a First Ladies Health Initiative luncheon focused on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, caregiving and brain health on Saturday, Sept. 19, in Marina del Rey.

The First Ladies Health Initiative, or FLHI, will host its leaders summit luncheon, “Mindful of the Memories: A Path to Better Brain Health,” beginning at 11 a.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey.

Whitley, whose credits include Act Your Age and Raising Whitley, and Brown, known for Community, Act Your Age and The Mayor, will participate in a fireside conversation moderated by Dr. Shalonda “Sunshine” Crawford, co-pastor of Experience Christian Ministries.

The discussion will address the experiences of families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia, including the demands placed on caregivers and the challenges of balancing caregiving with careers and other responsibilities.

Personal Experiences Bring Caregiving Into Focus

FLHI Co-Executive Director Marquisé Alston-Allison said Whitley and Brown were selected in part because both have personal experience caring for their fathers.

“Alzheimer’s disease has a devastating impact on the African American community, where individuals are approximately twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia,” Alston-Allison said in the organization’s announcement.

The luncheon takes place two days before World Alzheimer’s Day on Sept. 21.

Brain Health and Prevention Take Center Stage

FLHI is also partnering with the INSPIRE-Faith program at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, led by neurologists Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai.

The program emphasizes lifestyle factors associated with brain and overall health, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management and social connections.

The initiative brings prevention-focused health education into faith and community settings while addressing conditions such as dementia, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and stroke.

Luncheon to Feature Music and Special Honors

Radio personality Aundrae Russell of 102.3 KJLH-FM will serve as emcee, with a musical performance by recording artist David Daughtry.

FLHI will also pay tribute to its founding president, Tracey Alston, who died last year.

Dr. Betty Ruth Price, former first lady, co-founder and matriarch of Crenshaw Christian Center, will also be honored during the event.

FLHI Among Organizations Receiving Girls Opportunity Alliance Support

The event comes as FLHI celebrates its selection for support through the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance.

According to the announcement, a total of $500,000 will be distributed among 10 organizations working to empower girls, with FLHI among the selected recipients.

FLHI is currently led by second-generation co-executive directors Marquisé Alston-Allison and Taylor Alston-Cleveland, alongside co-founder and National Chair Jamell Meeks of Salem Baptist Church in Chicago and Los Angeles Chair Crawford.

The organization also acknowledged support from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Healthy Mind Initiatives, Black Girl Vitamins and The Ritz-Carlton.

For additional information, visit First Ladies Health Initiative.

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