The Scandal That Cost Marjorie Wallace Her Miss World Crown

At first glance, a photo of Tom Jones and Marjorie Wallace might seem like a simple snapshot of a couple enjoying their time together.

However, the story behind their connection is anything but ordinary. Beneath the surface lies a tale of fame, heartbreak, and controversy that ultimately led to Marjorie Wallace losing her Miss World title.

Tom Jones: The Charismatic Heartthrob

By the 1960s and ’70s, Tom Jones had cemented his reputation as a global music icon and an irresistible ladies’ man.

Known for his electrifying stage presence, he openly admitted to having numerous affairs while married to his lifelong partner, Linda.

Despite their marriage lasting nearly six decades until Linda’s passing in 2016, Tom was not known for his fidelity. He once revealed that at the height of his career, he was romantically involved with around 250 women per year.

One of his most notable affairs was with Marjorie Wallace, the American beauty queen who, in 1973, became the first Miss World from the United States.

But her reign would be short-lived, thanks to a scandal that rocked the pageant world.

Marjorie Wallace: From Beauty Queen to Controversy

Born in 1954, Marjorie Wallace had an early taste of independence and rebellion, which only intensified as she grew older.

Her passion for the entertainment world led her to beauty pageants, and in 1973, she achieved global fame when she was crowned Miss World. However, her reign would last only a few months before it was abruptly taken away.

The Affair That Shocked the World

Marjorie met Tom Jones shortly after winning Miss World at a backstage event at the London Palladium.

Tom was immediately drawn to her, and their chemistry was undeniable. A month after their initial meeting, Tom purchased two identical bracelets—one for Marjorie and the other for his wife, Linda.

Their connection deepened when they traveled to Barbados for a Miss World television special in 1974.

Photographs of them kissing on the beach made headlines, sparking controversy.

The Miss World Organization deemed their behavior inappropriate for a titleholder and stripped Marjorie of her crown, marking the first time in history that a reigning Miss World was dethroned.

A Love Triangle with Tragic Consequences

At the time of her relationship with Tom, Marjorie was also romantically linked to American race car driver Peter Revson.

Rumors of an engagement circulated, but tragedy struck when Revson died in a car accident. He was reportedly wearing a locket Marjorie had given him, engraved with the words, “If not for you…”

Heartbroken over Revson’s death and struggling with the fallout from her affair with Tom, Marjorie found herself in emotional turmoil.

Not long after Tom decided to end their relationship to appease his wife, Linda, Marjorie suffered a drug overdose. She was rushed to the hospital and placed on dialysis to remove the substances from her system.

While some speculated that it was a suicide attempt, Marjorie later clarified that the incident was the result of emotional exhaustion and depression, rather than an intentional act.

Tom, who was in Las Vegas at the time, sent flowers and well wishes during her recovery.

Life After the Scandal

Despite the controversy, Marjorie Wallace continued to pursue a career in entertainment. She briefly dated tennis star Jimmy Connors before transitioning into television broadcasting.

She worked as a sportscaster for major networks like ABC and CBS and later became a co-host on Entertainment Tonight in 1981, though her time there was short-lived.

Marjorie went on to marry film producer Michael Klein in 1978, with whom she had a son, Adam. The marriage ended in divorce in 1982.

She later married real estate developer Donald Soffer in 1994, though that union also ended in divorce by 1996.

An Enduring Connection

Though their romantic relationship ended decades ago, Tom Jones and Marjorie Wallace have remained in touch over the years.

Now in his 80s, Tom continues to perform and even serves as a judge on The Voice UK. Marjorie, now 71, has largely stepped away from the limelight but occasionally shares fond memories of her time with Tom.

Reflecting on their past, Marjorie has said that despite the scandal, she has no regrets. Their affair, though brief, was a defining moment in both their lives.

It’s remarkable how a single photograph, once an innocent vacation snapshot, became a symbol of a scandal that changed the course of history for Miss World and one of music’s biggest icons.