Social media burst after Sara Milliken, a plus-size model, won Miss Alabama 2024. The decision was quickly met with outrage and the move was criticized by some as promoting "unhealthy lifestyles".
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| Sara Milliken Credit: Instagram/ thenamalmiss |
That backlash worsened after an exclusive interview with WKRG, a Mobile, Alabama TV station, with Milliken. The angry online mob took to Facebook, savagely attacking the station, the reporter, and Milliken.
One commenter expressed their disgust, stating, "Embracing and cheering on obesity is insane to me... she's extremely unhealthy and this is a slap in the face to the young girls who have worked hard and maintained a diet to actually be a beauty queen. This is an embarrassment to the state of Alabama."
Amidst the controversy, Milliken took to her official Facebook page to defend herself.
She passionately wrote, "The things that have been said about me are truly disgusting, and I cannot fathom how people think it's okay to say these things. I could give up, hide my face, and stop posting on social media. But instead, I say WATCH ME. Watch me serve my community, give my all into preparing for nationals, and show every single hater why a plus-size woman can and should be a titleholder."
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| Sara Milliken Credit: Instagram/ thenamalmiss |
The frenzy revealed a widespread misunderstanding of the various pageants and their differing criteria. Miss USA, for instance, highlights swimsuit and sportswear contests, focusing on contestants' shapes.
In contrast, Miss America, which doesn't include a swimsuit contest, showcases a talent show and a physical fitness presentation, among other categories. Notably, Milliken did not compete in either of these pageants but was crowned in the National American Miss (NAM) contest, which values communication and confidence over physical appearance.
Diana Westhoven secured the title of Miss Alabama USA, while the winner of Miss America Alabama was yet to be determined. Sara Milliken, however, did not compete in either of these pageants; she won the National American Miss (NAM) contest.
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| Miss Alabama Diane Westhoven Credit: Instagram/days.with.diane |
Unlike Miss USA, which includes a swimsuit competition and sends winners to Miss Universe, Miss America focuses on private interviews, evening gown presentations, talent shows, and physical fitness, without a swimsuit segment. NAM, aligning more with Miss America's focus on communication and confidence, values real-world skills and personal growth over physical appearance.
Milliken prepares to compete in the national NAM contest during Thanksgiving week in 2024. But the controversy surrounding her victory has sparked a broader discussion on beauty standards and the true essence of success in pageantry.
Her determination and rebellious response to the criticism have already made an impact. She challenged stereotypes and paved the way for greater acceptance of different body types in the beauty world.
Sara Milliken was crowned Miss Alabama 2024 in the National American Miss pageant over Memorial Day Weekend. The 23-year-old has been outspoken about body confidence and empowerment, which largely led to her win.
"This year in Alabama, Sara captivated the selection panel with her clear communication, poise on stage, and extensive community service," National American Miss said in a statement. "Her message of body positivity and emphasis on never giving up on your goals is inspiring."
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| Sara Milliken Credit: Instagram/ thenamalmiss |
Milliken revealed in an Instagram post that she had been dreaming of winning the top prize for eight years. However, critics have now lashed out at the plus-sized winner, with some discussing the legitimacy of the title and her rights to it.
"I don't even know what it is," former Miss Alabama Amie Beth Shaver said of Milliken's title when speaking to 1819 News. Shaver competed in the Miss America competition and won the title in 1994.
This year, the Miss America Miss Alabama title was won by Diane Westhoven. "Miss America now is 101 years old and then Miss USA, which goes on to the Miss Universe pageant," Shaver argued. "But this National American Miss, no one has heard of it. I don't even know what it is."
The model argued that the National American Miss Competition should not use the same title as those of the Miss America pageant, which she claimed is an official and more prestigious competition. "If you are a pageant person, you're only going to participate in either Miss America or Miss USA," Shaver claimed.
Milliken has not only faced backlash from other beauty queens but also from trolls who have attacked her looks. She has been called an embarrassment to her state and attacked for allegedly glorifying obesity.
The plus-sized winner has spoken out on social media about "disgusting" comments she has received and the "overwhelming amount of online hate, negativity, and bullying." She admitted that some of the criticism has left her "a little traumatized," but rather than hide away.
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