A plus-size winner of the Miss Alabama beauty pageant has responded to trolls who called her a “sick disgrace.”
Sara Milliken, 23, was delighted 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.
“Although I’m not at that point, this can lead people to do very dark things to themselves.”
A plus-size winner of the Miss Alabama beauty pageant responded to trolls who called her an ‘unhealthy shame’
Sarah Milliken, 23, was delighted when she won first prize at the National American Miss Pageant.
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.’
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.”
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.
But her joy was short-lived, as vile trolls quickly began mocking her for her appearance.
She is determined not to let harsh criticism stop her as she prepares for the national finals to be held in Florida over Thanksgiving.
“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.
‘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.