A pageant queen who was crowned Miss National American Alabama 2024 is facing backlash from fans and former champions who question the legitimacy of her title.
Plus-size beauty pageant contestant Sara Milliken sparked controversy following her victory over Memorial Day weekend when vicious trolls attacked her weight.
But now critics are expressing confusion after several media outlets referred to Milliken as “Miss Alabama.”
They were quick to point out that the 23-year-old did not compete in the official Miss America competition.
One former winner, Miss Alabama Amie Beth Shaver, said she doesn’t even know what the pageant is.
Sara Milliken, who recently won the title of Miss National American Alabama 2024, is facing backlash from pageant fans and former champions who question the legitimacy of her crown.
The winner of Miss Alabama USA in 2024 was Diane Westhoven
Shaver emphasized that there is only one recognized Miss Alabama title, which leads to the Miss America pageant. Additionally, there is Miss Alabama USA, which sends contestants to the Miss USA pageant.
“Miss America is now 101 years old and then Miss United States, who is participating in the Miss Universe pageant,” Shaver said. 1819 news. But no one has heard of this Miss National American. I don’t even know what she is.
The winner of Miss Alabama USA in 2024 was Diane Westhoven.
Shaver stated that Miss America owns the rights to the ‘Miss Alabama’ title, so it is incorrect to use that title for a different pageant.
“If you’re a pageant person, you’re only going to be Miss America or Miss USA,” Shaver added.
Milliken was overjoyed when she won first prize at the National American Miss Pageant.
But her joy was short-lived, as vile trolls quickly began mocking her for her appearance.
“Even something written on a screen can leave a lasting impression on people,” he said. WKRG.
Sarah Milliken, 23, was delighted when she won first prize at the National American Miss Pageant.
After national media outlets referred to Milliken as ‘Miss Alabama,’ former pageant winners expressed confusion and concern.
“Although I’m not at that point, this can lead people to do very dark things to themselves.”
Among the harsh comments was one from Blaine Tom Mieroughts, who wrote: “I thought it was a beauty contest.”
Randy Hicks added: “Is that really considered attractive in Alabama?”
John Mason said: “This should have been the winner of (M)iss Jack in the Box”, a cruel reference to the fast food chain.
Others were kinder, with Tracie Stephens-Brooks saying: “To know is to love.” This young woman has a heart of gold and she will help anyone who needs it. A beautiful obese diva with style, sass and a lot of class.’
One former winner, Miss Alabama Amie Beth Shaver, said she doesn’t even know what the pageant is.
She is determined not to let harsh criticism stop her as she prepares for the national finals to be held in Florida over Thanksgiving.
There is only one recognized Miss Alabama title, which leads to the Miss America pageant. Pictured: Miss Alabama Diane Westhoven
Samantha Thrash Duff added: ‘I’m 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 she is going to do great things!;
And David Junior said: ‘How nice to finally see a 100-pound, blonde-haired, blue-eyed guy who wants to win world peace! Congratulations to Alabama and this Queen!’
Now she is determined not to let harsh criticism stop her as she prepares for the national finals in Florida over Thanksgiving.
“I’ll be honest, it affected me for about five minutes,” she added. ‘His words from her can hurt, even if they are online.
“I always wanted to spread positivity and this put me in a position to do exactly that.”
Milliken’s win was her third attempt at the contest, which she says hopes to foster a “positive self-image by enhancing inner natural beauty.”
Additionally, there is Miss Alabama USA, which sends contestants to the Miss USA pageant. In the photo: Diane Westhoven.
Diane Westhove, Miss Alabama United States 2024
He responded to an open call and competed over Memorial Day weekend by participating in a series of interviews, volunteer work and presentations.
Scoring in the contest is based on “personality, trust and communication,” according to the organizers.
“Braces, glasses, skin problems, different heights, weights and appearances are all part of creating the special and unique individual that you are and that we want to celebrate,” the website states.
Milliken admitted he was surprised by the response to his win, but has since received tremendous support from around the world, gaining 2,500 followers on Instagram and Facebook in a single night.
“No matter what your body is, no matter where you come from, you can do anything you set your mind to,” Milliken said after his victory.
Milliken admitted he was surprised by the response to his win, but has since received tremendous support from around the world, gaining 2,500 followers on Instagram and Facebook in a single night.
‘I met so many amazing, successful women. “That was definitely the best part.”
Since then, hundreds of her followers have flooded her inbox with offers on everything from dresses to beauty products worth thousands of dollars to help her through the next round.
While she’s been able to dust herself off, Milliken emphasized that it’s not as easy for other victims of cyberbullying and urged people to be kinder.
Responding to online hate about her weight, the beauty queen said: “The things some people were saying were really disgusting.” I choose not to dwell on it.’
“However, there is something important to say and I feel that, as the owner, it would be extremely irresponsible of me not to address the ‘second part’ of this story.” I feel like a lot of times people turn to cyberbullying because it doesn’t feel real,” she continued. ‘It’s just words on a screen, right? It can’t possibly cause physical harm? Wrong. Victims of cyberbullying are twice as likely to self-harm. and behave suicidally.