Ashley Harder Miss New Jersey Resigns Her Crown

It has not been a good year for beauty queens. First, reigning Miss USA Tara Conner got called to The Donald’s office and sent to rehab for a few "indiscretions," then Miss Nevada Katie Rees’ crown was yanked after steamy photos of her surfaced. Now Miss New Jersey Ashley Harder has resigned from her throne, because she went and got herself knocked up!

The Philadelphia Daily News reports that the 20-year-old Harder has voluntarily stepped down, because it’s against pageant rules to compete while pregnant. Not to mention how much tougher it is in heels. Harder, who was crowned in October, told the newspaper she’s expecting her child in "late summer" and plans to marry her live-in boyfriend. As for Trump, a rep says that he wishes the now former Miss New Jersey well.

The next Miss USA will be crowned on March 23 in Los Angeles. The winner of that competition goes on to compete in the Miss Universe pageant. Both pageants are owned by Donald Trump and NBC.

In November of 2004 Ashley Harder won a contest in New York to be a girl in the Green Room. The picture above is from 2004, and the interview from after she won the contest.

To generate that much needed opening-night buzz, last month the owners of Green Room (286 Spring Street) staged a citywide search for their door girl. 200 women responded to the casting call, and after a grueling interview process, the judges narrowed the field down to five girls, revealing the winner just hours before doors opened (and you thought America’s Next Top Model was intense!). We caught up with the winner, Ashley Harder, moments before the red carpet was rolled out.-E. J. Samson

What were you doing before landing this gig?
I’ve been modeling for the last five years, but I want to break into acting. I’m gonna be on the Guiding Light! I’m just in the background, but everybody has to start somewhere.

How’s living in New York?
It’s amazing. I feel like I’ve been here forever, but it’s only been two months. I’m fresh meat!

So how was the competition?
The girls were very trendy, very cute, great bodies-the whole package deal. I think it came down to my personality. I’m not really afraid or intimidated by anyone.

When did you find out you won?
I found out today. Six hours ago. I literally sat on my couch and was like "oh my god." I didn’t know what to do.
Congratulations!

But doesn’t it suck that you have to go into work now?
It’s cool, because I do have to say the pay is incredible. I get to help my parents out with the rent, so I’m very happy with that.

What kind of person will get into the Green Room, anyway?
Somebody very trendy with high class and a great sense of style, who’s gonna be able to spend the money and throw a couple of bottles back.

And what kind of person won’t get in?
I’ll know it when I see it.