These women are beautiful, no doubt. But they can become victims of ugly circumstances, just like anyone else.

Whether one prefers to blame their fates on racy photographs or clumsiness or criminal behavior, these perfectly polished pageant contestants just can't hide from the shutterbugs.

Take a look at five beauty queens whose scandals rocked the pageantry circuit:

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Vanessa Williams
Vanessa Williams became the first black woman to win the Miss America title in 1984. Although stripped of her title following publication of nude photos in Penthouse, the former beauty queen went on to have successful careers in TV and music. REUTERS/Danny Moloshok