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Live From Studio 1A: Miss New Jersey Revealed

Posted: Thursday, July 12, 2007 9:00 AM by Dan Fleschner
Filed Under:

On Monday, the recently-crowned Miss New Jersey, Amy Polumbo, appeared on TODAY to discuss what she called a blackmail attempt. She described how over the past two weeks, pageant officials had received two packages containing photos of Polumbo taken from her Facebook page. A letter from the anonymous sender demanded that if Polumbo didn't give up her crown, the photos would be made public.

This morning, Polumbo returned to TODAY to show the photos. WATCH VIDEO She and her lawyer said they are confident that pageant officials will not force her to give up her crown -- a decision is expected later today.

Now that you've seen some of the photos, what do you think Miss Polumbo's fate should be?

Were the photos as racy as you thought they would be?

What do you think this says about our social networking culture in which people put potentially embarrassing photos on the Internet?

And do you have a theory about who may have sent the packages to the pageant officials?

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Comments

My opinion, she's just having fun with her friends. They should let her keep the crown and hang the individual that sent them. Im 60yrs old and I've seen polititions do worse then this and their still in office.  If, they decide not to give the crown to her then lookout to window of your office and ask yourself what the know generation is doing and where its going to have fun.  It only going to get worse in what will be the norm.

Rich, Bethel Island, Calif (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 11:27 AM)

Since it was only her "friends" (or the people she's met in her lifetime) who had access to these pics, I'd definitely say that one of them wanted to set her up. But like the saying goes, keep your friends close but your enemies closer. Sooner or later she'll realize who did this and be a little more wary.

B.T.F.O. Edgewood, MD (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 11:28 AM)

Leave her alone! I'm shocked there's even a debat about what to do! What the heck are we doing in this country?

Mike, Philly (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 11:30 AM)

Was it really necessary to make such a big deal about this? Matt covering this twice was totally making something out of very little. There is so much more going on in this world that is important. LadyBird Johnson is much more newsworthy and you didn't have anything more about her than local news station have.
Let's get our priorities straight.

kathy deen fort worth, texas (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 11:32 AM)

I agree with many posters here, "big deal"  HOWEVER...this girl is Miss New Jersey!  Facebook is not "private" and if she is truly pageant material, she would not have posted these....They are not horrible, but breast-biting...spreading legs...does not seem like queen material. She should not represent her state... She should step down .

Stacey, midwest (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 11:33 AM)

I find it really sad that commenters here are treating this publicity stunt as newsworthy when some of them don't even know whether or not blackmail is a crime.  Utterly astounding.  Please, before you skip directly to the Entertainment section of the news, try reading the U.S., World, and Politics sections at the very least.

Ted (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 11:35 AM)

Maybe She sent the photo's in to get herself more national fame.

Kenn,Brighton Michigan (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 11:40 AM)

The person who is trying to blackmail Miss New Jersey should be ashamed of themselves for what they are doing!!  This should not be an issue at all and I hope the pageant directors realize this.  She should not have to apologize for being a typical college kid having fun with her friends. She has done nothing wrong.  She shouldn't feel bad about any of those pictures.  Believe me there are more "racy" things being done in most works places everyday. To the person who put those pictures out there, my advice to you is GET A LIFE!!  

Sue, Aurelia, Iowa (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 11:41 AM)

what nonsense ... was this a publicity stunt ?  give us some real news or interesting pics, not this manufactured jiberish.

Charlie, Washington DC (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 11:43 AM)

What happened to "The Right to PRIVACY"?

Ron, Littleton, Colorado (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 11:44 AM)

I can't believe this is happening. People need to get as life.

Sean Wilson, New York, NY (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 11:44 AM)

This is a good lesson that actions have consequences.  What she's doing is typical for a party girl and not shocking in that respect.  However, she wants to be in a pageant that stresses a certain code of conduct that she has not abided by.  She wants to have her cake and eat it too and if society let's her then how will she learn her lesson and how will other young women learn from her?

Shawn G., San Diego (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 11:46 AM)

If you don't want people to know or see what you do, then don't do it, or don't post it.  no brainer...

Ann Harris, Houston, Texas (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 11:53 AM)

I've never responded to an aired show before.  Just had to say I laughed at this.  My heart goes out to her though.  My husband said "just silly college aged fun" and I laughed and said we still do stuff like that and we are not college aged.  It's life, she is having fun, there is absolutely no harm or poor judgment on her part.  Poor thing said she used poor judgment.  I hope that this doesn't scar her from living her carefree happy life.

Heather, IL (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 11:57 AM)

I live only a few minutes from Amy's hometown, and have watched this story closely and this morning I laughed when I saw the photographs. This is typical college behavior and unfortunately we just happen to be living in a time where all of this behavior is captured via photo or video and put up on Facebook. Yes, we need to watch what is on Facebook and MySpace, but she should not be penalized for the photos since she has been open with the public about them. I think maybe the problems lie in the pageant rules which are not exactly "with the times."

Christine, Belmar, NJ (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 11:58 AM)

As a mother of two younger children and try to analyze
this whole story, I must say I believe the media is giving this story too much attention. Since they have, I'd like the president, the governor, the mayor, all previous Miss America to reveal their past when they were 19-22. I am sure it would not be much different. Amy appears to be a very confident well versed young lady. I sure hope the board allows her to keep her crown.

Go Amy, you will have a great impact on those you touch with your reign as Miss NJ!!!

Jody Minnesota (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 12:06 PM)

Really, the photos are not that bad -- not the side perhaps a beauty queen tries to portray, though. And that points to the real fault: beauty pageants. Beauty pageants are very artificial. That is why they are dropping in popularity. They set artificial -- even harmful -- expectations. They demand perfection behavior-wise and appearance-wise that just don't overlay real life. This is a minor issue. Worse is the anorexia and bulimia the pageant cause and the expectaion that women must fit into a certain look. It is an awful double standard based on sex appeal that men do no have to suffer. The outside is only superficial. Real beauty is inside.

Vera Hope (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 12:06 PM)

This is not and should not have been a news story.  The coverage of this story was a waste of time.  Miss New Jersey your 15 minutes are up.

Teresa, Virginia (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 12:08 PM)

I really admire Amy for showing the photos HERSELF rather than letting someone take advantage of her and pressure her.  As a college student, active on facebook, there was nothing shown in Amy's photos that arent all over every other person's photo space on the site.  She was behaving responsibly, legally, and having a good time with her friends enjoying life as a young woman.  Would I want all of those photos shown on National TV if I were her? No. Would I want all of mine on National TV? No. But she had nothing to be ashamed of.  Sure, maybe some were silly and flirty, but is there anything really wrong with that or was she just demonstrating safe and fun behavior as a role model? I think Amy is a great role model and should be able to keep her crown and use her platorm for help young people for the rest of her reign.

Laura Bishop, New York City, NY (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 12:11 PM)

I just wanted to say that I'm a college student too and I really feel for Miss N.J. right now. I'm a straight -A student and still I don't thing there was anything outrageous about what she was doing in those photos. I've seen much worse on my friends' facebook accounts. This wouldn't be an issue if she wasn't in the public eye. I must say though that I will be rethinking the security of my facebook account after this story. My heart goes out to Miss N.J. She really seems like a genuine person and she shouldn't feel bad for being an average college student. It's refreshing to hear a story about an "average college girl" that doesn't include nude or outrageous photos.

krysten, kennewick, WA (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 12:24 PM)

If you post it on the internet, it is not private!!!  There is nothing wrong with the pictures, the problem lies with Ms Palumbo not understanding that if want to keep it private, DON'T publish it on the internet!!

Brian Foxboro, MA (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 12:26 PM)

"Judge not lest ye be judged."  People who live in glass houses...I'm tired of the holier-than-thou folks pointing fingers at other folks' behavior.  None of us is perfect (witness Sen David Vitter).  It would behoove those of us who want to cast stones to keep our mouths closed.  It appears she was only having a bit of fun.  Is that now illegal and immoral in the judgemental society we have become?  Would we have revoked Samuel Adams place at the Constitutional Convention because he was an alcoholic and barred Ben Franklin because he had bastard children?  Would we have impeached a President because he had in illicet...oops, I guess we did that one already!  
Leave her alone for crying out loud!  Let's look at the very desparate problems we have (Iraq, Iran, lack of health care, the raping of our environment...)here in this country and not get diverted by this nonsense.

capegal, mashpee, ma (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 12:26 PM)

If this is the worst they can dig up on this poor girl then she deserves her crown! Who hasn't acted crazy with friends? Are representatives of each state suppose to be drones without personality? She should be commended about her decision to come forward and face the coward who tried to blackmail her.

Lisa Thornhill, L.A., CA (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 12:27 PM)

If she intended them to be private then why were they on FaceBook?

Fred, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 12:33 PM)

if women who enter beauty pageants aren't allowed to be beautiful and have fun, then they really need to have "Over 50" nuns enter the pageants! That way the "SO CALLED" society will go from being "Offended" to just straight forward "GROSSED OUT"!!

G (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 12:35 PM)

Whatever. The photos are sexually provocarive and are inappropriate behavior and it is stupid to say "well, everyone doe it, so it is okay". It is not okay to get drunk and act like an over sexed moron. And shame on you parents who look the other way instead of parenting your kids.

James Heusser (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 12:36 PM)

After seeing the pictures of Amy Polumbo, I am outraged that she is the reigning "Miss America."  Miss Nelson is wearing clothes in one particular photo,  but she is clearly in a popular pornographic pose.  I don't want this young woman being a role model for the young americans.  Surely, she is caught up in the culture, like Paris Hilton.  A good girl acting naughty.  I believe that this type of behavior needs to be controlled.  I believe that Miss Nelson took the wrong road, somewhere, and I hope she finds her way back to being a wholesome, respectable lady.

Michael Cruz, El Centro, CA (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 12:46 PM)

The photos just show a very typical fun-loving young woman.  I can't imagine that any of her fellow contestants have not participated in similar behaviors, if not posted pictures of it.  I sincerely hope that the pageant officials do not take any action against Miss New Jersey as a result of the pictures.  I do hope that someone will pursue the person who sent these pictures to the pageant in hopes of getting Amy to step down.  

Linda Woods, Audubon, NJ (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 12:50 PM)

I say, Amen to all that is said before me in support of Miss NJ!

Now, though the story initially isn't really "news" we all need closure, let's quit harping on this poor girl and find out who is black mailing her and why!

Nancy, Columbia, MD. (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 1:00 PM)

I am sure that some pictures of most of us would not translate well in the public eye! My problem with her is, she is apologizing for them!  She had them taken, liked them so much that she posted them on the internet, then when they became "famous" she acts like it was some great mystery how they came about. I would have respected her a lot more if she had just said, " yeah, I was out with my friends, yes, I have a good time and these are just pictures of me having a good time.
What and where is the big deal?"  But she didn't, she looked ashamed, when she needn't be. The big lesson here is for all these young girls out there that are posting pictures of themselves, I have seen my stepsons' myspace and know that some day these young teenagers will regret their actions. Just stop posting anything that you think won't translate well. If you need to explain it in detail, don't post it.

Michele, Orlando, FL (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 1:00 PM)

Ms. Polumbo is shown in the photos being sociable, which is part of what college is about. It is obvious from all the smiles in all the photos that these are of Ms. Polumbo and her friends having fun, and that is the sum-total of what these photos depict.  That these photos were posted to a site where people share photos with others is a social convention of this age group; the internet and these social networking sites are just part of the landscape.

While some may denigrate these pageants and the participants, they are a method in which many young women have chosen to compete and that is their choice. To win in a state-wide pageant no doubt takes an enormous amount of dedication and effort, as does any type of competition. In that sense, these young women show that they are goal-oriented and have persevered though many previous pageants, which includes losing, from which they obviously learned, which demonstrates self-awareness, an analytical ability, and the ability to listen to others so they can continue. In that sense, these pageants are about anything but beauty, these pageants are about the participant's intellect, psychological, and dedication.

To summarize the above observations:  These young women have spines-of-steel, amazing drive, and tireless dedication to a goal.  Which in fact is what Ms. Polumbo is again demonstrating by confronting the issues raised by this incident, and therefore, her reactions substantiate the basis of her winning the Miss New Jersey title.

WW, Connecticut, USA (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 1:02 PM)

Do you really think your interview with Miss New Jersey is news worthy? If I were Matt Lauer I would have refused to do the interview. I have been a loyal viewer for many years, things have changed and not for the better. I will be watching another network in the furture.

Karen Lanigan, Evergreen Park, Il. (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 1:04 PM)

I agree with Lynn and many others on this site.  I am a mother of two daughters ages 20 and 16 and the pictures that Amy showed on tv were normal for a girl her age.  What is wrong with this country?? And what is wrong with pagent officials?? Are we as a society not to have any fun?? I was sad to hear her apologize.  She has nothing to apologize for.  Whom ever is doing this to her should be ashamed and if caught I pray that they are punished.  Amy you are a beautiful girl who seems to have her stuff together. Continue to hold your head up!!  

Lisa Shea, Butte, MT (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 1:06 PM)

Why can't NBC be the one who leads the counrty in common sense and say "Are you kidding?"  When will the media get off their better than thou pedestal and be the first to acknowledge that this is not even news worthy. She should not have spent one minute being embarrassed. Even Matt stated he was glad there was no Facebook  back in his college days.  Stop making news out of this and the likes of Hilton and people will stop this.  I have to stop watching every time a ridiculous story comes on.

Kim Virginia Beach VA (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 1:16 PM)

Showing Miss New Jersey's photos was seedy on so many levels. Who made the decision....the crew...the men in the control room....the weatherman....the anchor?

Like the airing of the Virginia Tech photos, this revealed how low NBC will go in their attempt to grab ratings. What kind of judgment is driving these decisions?  

Hearing Miss New Jersey describe such pictures as "silliness" sends a dangerous message to impressionable kids. The rise in the raping of young girls has been linked to "Girls Gone Wild" videos. The behavior displayed in some of those photos plus alcohol is enough to cause young kids to lose their inhibitions when they need them most.

It is beyond disappointing to see a network which was once held in high regard being held hostage by low standards.


Alex Emerson (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 1:23 PM)

These are innocent pictures.  What about the ones of Posh and Beck?  Now those are not so innocent!  I found it interesting that the above are being shown everywhere and are not raising eyebrows.  Leave Miss New Jersey alone, she was just having "college" fun.

Judy (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 1:45 PM)

    If this young lady is ousted from her position as Miss New Jersey the judges had to have gone to college in a monastery on an island far, far away.  I got my biggest laugh so far today looking at those pictures of a young lady who is clearly hilarious, fun-loving, well-liked, and, well, goofy. I think goofy people are awesome, by the way.  As Matt Lauer noted, and Matt and I are contemporaries in age, "I'm so glad Facebook wasn't around when I was in college."  Whew, I had to think as I looked at those pictures, same here!  

    On another level, I felt sad that this child was so nervous about showing pictures of herself at her silliest to a world that contains rigid and judgemental people who might try to pretend that they never had fun.  She should be laughing with the other people who happen to see the pictures, not worrying that she might be penalized.  They are funny and the stock poses of college students all over America.  It's unfortunate that some of us can get so bent out of shape about something this minor.  

Amy, you are a typical, fun-loving, and happy-go-lucky young lady!  Enjoy your life and don't change!

Lauren Sanders-Jones, Raleigh, NC (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 1:50 PM)

Give me a break! If the pageant committee takes this girl's crown they should be blackmailed out of their job. I do believe they will do the right thing and let her retain her crown. Kudos to Amy for stopping these jerks in their tracks! I wish all public figures would face controversy this same way. President Clinton could take a page from her book!

HJ Cohran, Atlanta, GA (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 1:58 PM)

Seriously, the pictures of Miss NJ were not offensive to anyone with a brain. She's a young woman having fun, to the blackmailer stop being petty and jealous. None of the pictures in question are bad enough for her to lose her crown, I mean be for real!

Katherine Odom, Cocoa, Florida (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 2:14 PM)

I think if she was/is ashamed to show them then that would be a red-flag that it wasn't right.  I am bothered that people say "that is how college kids are".  I don't think we should settle for that kind of twisted rationalization.  Do I think it calls for her to be decrowned...no.

Ann-Marie Beck South Jordan, Utah (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 2:15 PM)

The bathing suit competition photo's got my attention more than these photo's! Nothing to be embarassed about.  

Donald Gilbert, Kahnawake, QC Canada (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 2:36 PM)

Omg, what nonsense!! These pitcures are very tame. I am glad that they were revealed to show the world what a non-story this is.  Whoever started this foolishness with her was probably trying to get his or her fifteen minutes of fame. I hope this story blows over for her so that she can get on with her live as well as ours.

Bill SW Florida (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 2:55 PM)

So many people are saying--that's the way college kids are, and a few others are saying "we should't settle for that kind of twisted rationalization.  I say they should do whatever they want---They are the ones who will have to suffer the consequences.. Maybe she sent the pictures herself, maybe she did't....only she knows for sure.

g.eglesias@n.e pa (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 2:57 PM)

She should lose her crown. I know that's harsh, but if she's stupid enough to pose for those photos, she's no role model...just another airhead.

T. Plunkett, Scottsdale, AZ (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 2:59 PM)

ms new jersey is  a gold digger, shes setting herself up to make millions on this so called terrible story, like barnum and bailey said...............

john (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 3:30 PM)

Hey she had the courage to come out and tell the truth, that should be enough to show she has class and very much deserving of her title as Miss. New Jersey

Freddie grant, Montgomery, Alabama (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 3:42 PM)

Its strange cause these pictures arent so bad!  Why did she cry and have a guilty look on her face when they threatened her?? Is it because there are more worse pictures that she isnt showing?? Is that ALL the pics or is there more worse??

ci ci (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 3:46 PM)

I can't believe I am the only one who thinks these pictures are uphauling.  It is not the fact that you are having a good time.  You had a picture taken with your breast in a boy's mouth.  NO BIG DEAL!!!!!!! Go into porn, not Miss NJ.  This is what is wrong with teenagers and their parents.  Everyone thinks this is ok.  It is one thing to do this, and have a picture, but to show it on the internet for public disply is low class.  These teenagers need to realize, there is no such thing as privacy, once you place pictures on the internet, it is open season for anyone to pass it on, even if your website is secure.  I see my niece do this an no one corrects her.  This girl is absolutely not fit to be a role model to our teenagers.  Do you think Carolyn Kennedy has these types of photos??? Where is the class we used to have.  

Concerned, St. Louis, MO (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 3:51 PM)

Thank you Miss New Jersey. You are a good person. Those pictures are just as you say "silly" and between friends. We all have those types of silly pictures and would be embarrassed if they were made public. No one can know the emotions that you're feeling and how vulnerable you truly are at this point. Hang in there, this too shall pass. Best wishes in the Miss America Pagent. Continue your fight against internet abuse.

Saze Brammer, Visalia, CA (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 4:00 PM)

Thank God we finally have a NORMAL girl as Ms. America.  Honestly, I'm not one for beauty pageants, but I must say this is the first time I actually think a great choice was made.  I think it's great for people to see that beauty contest contestants and winners are not plastic.  Applause to Ms. Palumbo!

Paula Selvitella, Barre, MA (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 4:00 PM)



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