A plus-sized winner of a Miss Alabama beauty contest, Sara Millikеn, has responded to online trolls who labeled her an “unhealthy embarrassment.” The 23-year-old was thrilled when she won the top prize in the National American Miss pageant, but her joy was short-lived as she faced a barrage of negative comments about her appearance.
“Even something that you type over a screen can have a lasting impression on people,” Millikеn told WKRG. “Even though I’m not at that point, it can lead people to do some very dark things to themselves.”
Millikеn’s response to the criticism highlights the impact of cyberbullying and the importance of kindness. Despite the negative comments, she remains determined to not let the harsh words hold her back as she prepares for the national final in Florida over Thanksgiving.
Among the cruel remarks, Blaine Tom Mieroughts wrote, “I thought it was a beauty pageant,” while Randy Hicks added, “Is that actually considered attractive in Alabama?” John Mason made a hurtful reference to the fast-food chain, saying, “This should have been (M)iss Jack in the Box winner.”
However, Millikеn also received support from many individuals. Tracie Stephens-Brooks praised her, saying, “To know is to love her. This young lady has a heart of gold and will give anyone in need a helping hand. A beautiful obese diva with style, sass, and a lot of class.” Samantha Thrash Duff expressed her pride, stating, “So proud of her! We watched her all weekend and prayed hard that she would come home with that title! She is an amazing, sweet young woman and is going to do great things!” David Junior added, “Great to finally not see some 100lb, blonde hair blue eyes who wants world peace win! Congrats to Alabama and this Queen!”
Millikеn’s victory was her third attempt at the contest, which aims to foster “positive self-image by enhancing natural beauty within.” She competed over Memorial Day Weekend, participating in interviews, volunteer work, and presentations. The pageant scores contestants based on “personality, confidence, and communication,” according to organizers.
The website for the contest states, “Braces, glasses, skin problems, varying heights, weights, and appearances are all a part of creating the special and unique individual that you are and that we want to celebrate.”
Although sh.ocked by the initial negative response, Millikеn has since received an outpouring of support from around the world, gaining 2,500 followers on Instagram and Facebook overnight.
She remains focused on spreading positivity. “I’ll be honest, it got to me for about five minutes,” she admitted. “Their words can hurt, even if it is online. I’ve always wanted to spread positivity, and this kind of put me in a position to do exactly that.”
Supporters have offered her everything from dresses to beauty products to help her in the next round of the competition. Millikеn emphasized the importance of kindness and noted that not everyone can easily shake off cyberbullying.
“No matter what your body looks likе, no matter where you come from, you can do anything you set your mind to,” Millikеn said following her victory. “I met so many amazing and accomplished women. That was definitely the best part.”
Hundreds of supporters have since flooded her inbox with offers of support, reinforcing the importance of community and positivity in the face of online negativity.
Woman hears doorbell ring at 4 am — sees it’s her neighbor dog paying her a visit
Even if they don’t always choose the best times to visit, it’s always pleasant when a dog does so.
One woman recently received a surprise when her doorbell rang at four in the morning and she saw a very special visitor.
An American bully named Bruce rang her doorbell late one night, and the doorbell camera caught it all in a now-viral video posted on TikTok by user @omg_its_char. The homeowner’s neighbor’s dog is named Bruce.
The pet seems to be eager to be let inside and has demonstrated outstanding usage of the doorbell by even bopping his head at the chime. Bruce barks a second later, seemingly to announce, “Hey, I’m out here!”
Check out the video below:
The homeowner welcomed Bruce in for a visit, and although not everyone enjoys hearing the doorbell ring at this early hour, the dog settled in.
She posted an update saying, “This wasn’t the first time he stopped by to say hello. I got out of bed and let him inside.” “He used one of my cat’s toys to help himself while he had the zoomies for almost ten minutes before deciding to settle down on my couch.”
Bruce was allowed to spend the night with her after she called the dog’s owners and they didn’t respond. The following morning, the dog was picked up by the neighbors.
With over 24.6 million views in just two days, the video has gone viral. Many others said that if Bruce rang their bell, they would allow him in as well.
One response says, “That would be the only welcomed guest in my house.”
Another remark reads, “Oh my gosh, if you don’t let him in right now, I’m coming over immediately and keeping him.”
Another person wrote, “He wanted to have a sleep over.”
What a funny video and what a smart dog! Would you please let this cute puppy come visit you inside? If so, please tell your friends about this story.
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