The most historically significant event surrounding Penthouse in 1984 involves the September issue (or the timeline immediately preceding it). In July 1984, Penthouse published photos of Vanessa Williams, the first African-American Miss America, taken several years prior. While the photos were published in the July issue (and later in a special edition), the media fallout dominated the news throughout the summer of 1984, leading to Williams' resignation. Consequently, 1984 issues of Penthouse from this era are highly sought after by collectors and historians.