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.