CW exec 'very concerned' about Miss USA Pageant allegations, mulls breaking TV contract
The Miss USA Pageant just signed a three-year extension of its broadcast deal with CW, but the recent scandal that led to the resignations of its reigning queen has put the pageant's TV future in jeopardy.
The Miss USA pageant, and its sibling Miss Teen USA pageant, have been sullied by allegations that new owner Laylah Rose engaged in bullying and abusive behavior. Miss USA Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava resigned. Srivastava's mother, Barbara, told ABC's "Good Morning America" this week that "the job of their dreams turned out to be a nightmare."
Brad Schwartz, CW's programming chief, said in an interview Thursday the network is "very, very concerned about" the allegations. "Obviously, we don't condone bullying in any way, shape or form. We're taking it very seriously and gathering information; we don't want to act hastily or improperly. We want to support the women, but obviously we have a lot of questions about the organization."
CW last month announced a three-year extension of its contract to air Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants, just days before the pageant winners' resignations. Miss USA is currently scheduled to air on CW Aug. 4; Miss Teen USA on Aug. 1. Schwartz acknowledged a decision on whether to break the contract would have to be made soon.
"What's come out is concerning. We're taking it seriously and investigating all sides," he said. The network last week issued a statement saying it was "evaluating" its options.
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