Sara Milliken, a plus-sized woman who has recently been crowned Miss Alabama 2024, has hit back at trolls for calling her an ‘unhealthy embarrassment’.
The 23-year-old declared the winner at the National American Miss pageant, was overjoyed after the announcement.
However, her delight was short-lived as social media users trolled her brutally as they quickly started body-shaming her.
The Impact of Online Trolls
“Even something that you type over a screen can have a lasting impression on people,” she told WKRG.
“Even though I’m not at that point, it can lead people to do some very dark things to themselves.”
One of the social media users named Blaine Tom Mieroughts wrote: “I thought it was a beauty pageant.”
Another user Randy Hicks added: ‘Is that actually considered attractive in Alabama?’
John Mason said: “This should have been (M)iss Jack in the Box winner,” a cruel reference to the fast food chain.
Support from Kind-Hearted Netizens
However, other kind-hearted ones were in all praise for Sara Milliken. Tracie Stephens-Brooks wrote: “To know is to love her. This young lady has a heart of gold and will give anyone in need a helping hand. A beautiful obese diva with style, sass and a lot of class.”
Samantha Thrash Duff added: “So proud of her! We watched her all weekend and prayed hard that she would come home with that title! She is an amazing, sweet young woman and is going to do great things!”
David Junior said: “Great to finally not see some 100lb, blonde hair blue eyes who wants world peace win! Congrats to Alabama and this Queen!”
Preparing for the National Final
Well now, the lady has given it back to the trolls as she gears up for the national final which will take place in Florida over Thanksgiving.
“I’ll be honest, it got to me for about five minutes,” she added . “Their words can hurt, even if it is online. I’ve always wanted to spread positivity, and this kind of put me in a position to do exactly that.”
This was Milliken’s third attempt at the contest where she emerged as a winner.
Spreading Positivity and Confidence
According to the organisers, scoring in the pageant is based on “personality, confidence and communication.”
“Braces, glasses, skin problems, varying heights, weights and appearances, are all a part of creating the special and unique individual that you are and that we want to celebrate,” the website states.
Overcoming Adversity and Embracing Support
According to Milliken, she was shocked by the response to her win, however, in the meantime, she received immense support from across the world and she gained 2,500 followers across Instagram and Facebook in a single night.
“No matter what your body looks like, no matter where you come from, you can do anything you set your mind to,’ Milliken said following her victory.
“I met so many amazing and accomplished women. That was definitely the best part.”