Sara Milliken, a self-described “plus-size” woman of Atmore, Alabama, is remaining positive while addressing the harsh backlash received after being crowned Miss Alabama at the National American Miss Pageant.
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After becoming the Alabama winner of the National American Miss Pageant, which entitles her to represent the state at the national level, Sara Milliken became the subject of a local Mobile, Alabama news station. Upon becoming Miss Alabama, WKRG-TV reported that Milliken was crowned the winner after showing interest in the competition about eight years ago and after three attempts. Before her win, she competed twice for the honor but did not place until her third competition.
About a week after their initial report, including a now-viral Facebook post with the article’s link, WKRG-TV published another report covering all of the backlash that Sara Milliken received, in addition to criticism spewed against the station, and reporter Summer Poole. In their new report, the station noted that all three parties were under fire on social media, causing them to limit their comment sections due to the personal attacks.
However, coupled with the criticism and backlash after Sara Milliken was crowned Miss Alabama at the National American Miss Pageant, there were uplifting comments and support for her win. After all, she won fair and square and completely embodied the objective of the National American Miss Pageant, which states on its website that its program is “based on the foundational principle of fostering a positive self-image by enhancing the natural beauty within.”
The site continues to state that the program is “designed for today’s girl,” adding, “We celebrate America’s greatness and the individuality of American girls.” According to the site, the program allows participants to sit down for one-on-one interviews to share their hopes and dreams with a selected panel. They also get to do resume building, volunteer in their community, introduce themselves live on-stage to the judges and audience during the personal introduction competition, and get to experience standing in the spotlight while modeling the dress of their dreams.
Responding to the negative comments with WKRG-TV News 5 Digital reporter Summer Poole, Sara Milliken said, “No matter what your body looks like, no matter where you come from, you can do anything you set your mind to. I’ve always wanted to spread positivity, and this kind of put me in a position to do exactly that.” She also admitted that the harsh comments initially bothered her, stating, “I’ll be honest, it got to me for about five minutes.”
However, the support from around the country, and even Canada, is what helped uplift her. She said that people from Massachusetts, Maine, Canada, and California — “truly all across the country” — found and followed her Facebook and Instagram profiles and shared their praises with her.
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In addition to the positive comments, she has also received sponsor offers, including people wanting to support her for NAM’s national pageant, which will be held Thanksgiving week in Orlando, Florida. The plus-size Alabama pageant winner said she’s been offered a dress, earrings, and thousands of dollars worth of products to boost her presentation at the national competition.
Milliken also noted that while she’s able to take the criticism and convert it into more confidence, other victims of cyberbullying are not able to easily pivot and adapt. Thus, she wants people like those who attacked her and her appearance to understand, “Their words can hurt.” The plus-size Alabama pageant winner added, “Even if it is online. Even something that you type over a screen can have a lasting impression on people. Even though I’m not at that point, it can lead people to do some very dark things to themselves.”
According to the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, as of February 2023, “The incidences of both cyberbullying and adolescent suicide are rising in the United States.” Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports, “14.9 percent of adolescents have been cyberbullied, and 13.6 percent of adolescents have made a serious suicide attempt.”
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