Sara Milliken reached a significant achievement when she won the top award at the National American Miss pageant, delighting both herself and her fans. Unfortunately, her victory was soon clouded by a wave of cyberbullying aimed at her physical appearance.
After winning the Miss Alabama contest, Milliken was subjected to severe criticism from online trolls who branded her as “unhealthy” and an “embarrassment.” Despite these hurtful comments, Milliken continues to advocate for positivity and body acceptance.
Milliken expressed, “The words displayed on a screen have the power to profoundly affect individuals. While I have not personally experienced this, such remarks can drive people to a place of despair.” Some of the hurtful comments included doubts about her qualifications for a beauty pageant and unkind comparisons to fast food mascots. Despite the negativity, Milliken’s supporters came together to celebrate her inner beauty and strength. A supporter stated, “You exude beauty both inside and out, and anyone with empathy and integrity can see that clearly.” Others echoed these sentiments, commending her achievements and positive impact.
Despite facing harsh criticism, Milliken is steadfast in her preparation for the national finals in Florida during Thanksgiving. “I’ll be honest, it did affect me briefly,” she conceded. “Words can be hurtful, even when they’re shared online. My focus has always been on spreading positivity, and this experience has reinforced that commitment.”
Milliken was initially taken aback by the response to her win, but 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.”
Even after facing challenges, Milliken highlights the significance of compassion, acknowledging that some individuals may struggle to brush off negative remarks. Her story underscores the necessity for increased understanding and support for those affected by online bullying, as she continues to advocate for body positivity and self-love.
