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Miss Plymouth County Resigns Following Controversial Skit

She is a sexual assault survivor herself

Maude Gorman has resigned as Miss Plymouth County for the Miss Massachusetts Miss America Organization after a pageant emcee made a joke about the #MeToo movement on stage.

"I really felt betrayed," Gorman said. She was competing at the Miss Massachusetts pageant last week and was backstage when the emcee performed the controversial skit.

In a video first reported by the Observer, the host acts out a skit with someone portraying the role of God. She asks why Miss America would get rid of the swimsuit competition, when the person portraying God holds up a sign that says#MeToo and the crowd laughs and cheers.

"To mock a movement that has empowered survivors to stand up is inappropriate, and especially a women's empowerment organization, should be unacceptable," said Gorman.

She is a sexual assault survivor herself, and has become a fierce advocate for other survivors.

The Miss Massachusetts organization posted an apology on its Facebook page, saying the skit was not in the script and not approved by the board. According to the post, the organization will screen skits going forward.

"I think there needs to be more action taken, and that's why I'm speaking up," said Gorman.

She is in the process of giving back her crown and sash, and said a Plymouth County runner-up will most likely take over her title.

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