Sara Milliken, the newly crowned winner of the National American Miss pageant in Alabama, is confronting online bullies who attacked her appearance after her victory, emphasizing the resilience needed in today’s digital age.
Despite triumphing in the prestigious beauty contest, 23-year-old Milliken faced a wave of disparaging comments about her size and appearance. Critics took to social media to deride her victory, with one commenter dismissing the contest as not being about “beauty” anymore, while another cruelly likened her to a fast-food mascot.
In response to the cyberbullying, Milliken spoke out about the hurtful impact of such comments, stressing that even words typed anonymously online can deeply affect individuals. “Even though I’m not at that point, it can lead people to do some very dark things to themselves,” Milliken candidly shared with WKRG.
Despite the negativity, Milliken remains steadfast in her determination not to let the hurtful words deter her spirit as she prepares for the national finals in Florida later this year.
Amid the backlash, Milliken also received an outpouring of support from across the globe. Supporters rallied behind her, praising her resilience and character. Tracie Stephens-Brooks described her as “a beautiful obese diva with style, sass, and a lot of class,” while Samantha Thrash Duff expressed pride in her accomplishments, affirming that Milliken is destined for greatness.
David Junior celebrated Milliken’s victory as a refreshing change from conventional beauty norms, hailing her win as a triumph for diversity and inclusivity in beauty pageants.
Milliken’s journey to the crown was not without challenges. It marked her third attempt at the National American Miss pageant, where contestants are judged not just on outward appearance but on qualities such as personality, confidence, and communication skills.
The contest organizers emphasize celebrating individuality in all its forms, acknowledging that braces, glasses, varying heights, weights, and appearances contribute to the uniqueness of each contestant.
In the aftermath of the criticism, Milliken’s social media presence surged overnight, gaining thousands of new followers who rallied behind her message of positivity and resilience. Despite momentarily feeling the sting of the negative comments, Milliken quickly turned her focus back to spreading messages of kindness and self-acceptance.
Reflecting on her experience, Milliken emphasized the importance of perseverance and encouraged others to pursue their dreams regardless of societal expectations. “No matter what your body looks like, no matter where you come from, you can do anything you set your mind to,” she asserted, underscoring her commitment to inspire others facing similar challenges.
As she prepares to represent Alabama on a national stage, Milliken remains grateful for the overwhelming support from her community and beyond. The flood of encouragement, from offers of dresses to beauty products, reinforces the power of solidarity in combating online negativity.
In the face of adversity, Sara Milliken stands tall as a beacon of strength and resilience, proving that true beauty transcends superficial judgments and celebrates the courage to embrace one’s authentic self.
