Miss New Jersey USA Ashley Harder pregnant

Ashley Harder, the current Miss New Jersey USA, has resigned from the pageant post because she is pregnant, The Philadelphia Daily News reported in Monday's newspapers. It is against the rules of the competition to compete while pregnant reports Star Magazine.

Harder and her 28-year-old live in boyfriend, Gregg D'Antonio are expecting the baby this summer. The first runner-up Erin Abrahamson will take her place reports Fox. Erin Abrahamson, 23, of Essex Fells, said pageant officials called her Friday to let her know she would be assuming the title.

"Whatever made her resign, I wish her lots of luck and hope she's OK," Abrahamson said of Harder, adding that pageant officials didn't tell her why she would be taking over.

Harder, 20, told the newspaper she voluntarily stepped down.

This is a new twist in the ever-growing number of scandals and resignations in the Miss USA Organization. Last month, Miss USA Tara Conner entered rehab for drinking. Meanwhile, Miss Nevada Katie Rees was dethroned after scandalous photos of her popped up over the Internet.

Harder said, "This isn't another scandal. This is a baby; this is a life."