Sara Milliken achieved a major milestone by clinching the top prize in the National American Miss pageant, bringing joy to herself and her supporters. However, her triumph was quickly overshadowed by a barrage of online harassment targeting her appearance.

Following her victory in the Miss Alabama contest, Milliken faced harsh criticism from internet trolls who labeled her as “unhealthy” and an “embarrassment.” Despite these hurtful remarks, Milliken remains steadfast in promoting positivity and body acceptance.

“Even words typed on a screen can deeply impact people,” Milliken shared. “Although I haven’t reached that point, such comments can lead individuals to dark places.” Among the cruel comments were criticisms questioning her suitability for a beauty pageant and unkind comparisons to fast food mascots. Despite this negativity, Milliken’s supporters rallied around her, celebrating her inner beauty and resilience. One fan expressed, “You radiate beauty inside and out, and anyone with values and compassion can see that clearly.” Others echoed similar sentiments, praising her accomplishments and positive influence.

Refusing to let harsh criticism deter her, Milliken is gearing up for the national finals in Florida over Thanksgiving. “I’ll admit, it did get to me for a moment,” she admitted. “Words can hurt, even when they’re online. I’ve always aimed to spread positivity, and this experience has put me in a position to do just that.”

Initially taken aback by the response to her win, Milliken has since received overwhelming support, gaining thousands of new social media followers overnight. Her inbox has been flooded with offers of dresses and beauty products for the upcoming competition rounds. “Regardless of body type or background, anyone can achieve their dreams,” Milliken affirmed. “Meeting so many remarkable and accomplished women has been the highlight of this journey.”

Despite overcoming adversity, Milliken underscores the importance of kindness, recognizing that not everyone can easily shrug off hurtful comments. Her experience emphasizes the need for greater awareness and empathy towards victims of online harassment, as she remains committed to championing body positivity and self-acceptance.