After hateful trolls called her “disgraceful” and “sick,” the 23-year-old responded to criticism about her appearance and current name.
The newly awarded Miss Alabama is speaking out after receiving negative comments about her physical appearance following her win.
In an interview with Alabama’s Native CBS affiliate, WKRGSara Milliken, a self-described “plus size,” has once again lashed out at trolls who criticized her new title after she was crowned Miss Alabama at the National American Miss pageant last month.
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“Your words can hurt,” Milliken said. “Even if it’s online. Even something you simply sort on a screen can make a lasting impression on people.
“Even though I’m not in that moment, it can lead people to do some very dark things to themselves,” she added.
Fresh off her win, the 23-year-old visited WKRG in studio on May 31, with the outlet sharing a photo of her look in a Facebook post. While many users took to the comments to express their support, some critics shared nasty comments about Milliken’s appearance.
“Calling her lovely is all well and good, it’s all in the eye of the beholder. But let’s be honest with ourselves…she is extremely bad and is a slap in the face to the young women who have worked hard and stuck to a weight loss plan to truly be a beauty queen,” wrote one troll. “This is a humiliation for the state of Alabama.”
“This could have been the winner of (M)iss Jack in the Field,” said another reviewer.
“I thought it was a beauty pageant,” a third person wrote, while another commented, “Is it really an idea to work in Alabama?”
Milliken also received an outpouring of love, praise and support in the post.
“To know is to like it. This young lady has a heart of gold and can give a portion to anyone in need. A stunning diva with excess weight, fashion, sass and a lot of class,” wrote one person.
“So pleased with her!” another stated. “We watched her all weekend and prayed hard that she would come home with that name! She is a super sweet young lady and will do cool things!
“I bet she earned that title because she had a heart of gold and all the wonderful things she accomplished, but so many people are concerned about her physical appearance instead of what she’s accomplished,” said one commenter. “I bet she is a great friend and dear to many. Keep shining woman and show them that we are also capable of doing something we set our minds to!!
Another person called out the critics in a long comment.
“For those of you with disgusting comments, the next time one of your children comes home crying because they are being bullied, please take your stupid and unwarranted comments into consideration…” the person wrote. “The seeds we sow do not always affect us… Know that our children can reap the ugliness we sow in the universe… It does not value anything to be good, nor does it say anything… “
“Everyone deserves to be celebrated…” the person added. “Congratulations beautiful!!!! Continue being unapologetically you.
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Although Milliken admitted to WKRG that the negative feedback “reached (her) for about five minutes,” she shared that the criticism was ultimately “the biggest blessing” because she received support from “the whole country,” gaining over 1,000 followers on Instagram and Facebook.
“I’ve always wanted to spread positivity and this prepared me to do just that,” Milliken said.
Her journey to Miss Alabama began eight years ago when she participated in an “open call” for the first time. She competed twice but didn’t place – that is until this year, when she not only qualified but won it all.
“Just getting to the top 10 was my goal, you know, I could come out on the weekend saying I was better than I was the year before, and it’s all about improving yourself for me,” Milliken recalled. WKRG following his victory last month.
“It made it to the top two and my first runner-up; she was completely wonderful all weekend,” she added. “I thought, ‘OK, I can safely say that all of the top five, but especially the top two are two wonderful, accomplished women.’”
Milliken was then surpassed as Miss Alabama.
“No matter what your body looks like, no matter where you come from, you can do anything you put your mind to,” Milliken said.
Subsequent cessation? Nationals in November.
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