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'Miss Alabama' Sara Milliken's title is being disputed after fans claim plus size pageant queen isn't the real deal
By NOA HALFF FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
A pageant queen who was crowned Miss National American Alabama 2024 is facing backlash from fans and former titleholders questioning the legitimacy of her title.
Sara Milliken, a plus-sized beauty pageant contestant, stirred controversy following her win over Memorial Day weekend as vicious trolls attacked her weight.
But now critics are voicing their confusion after several media outlets referred to Milliken as 'Miss Alabama.'
They were quick to point out the 23-year-old did not compete in the official Miss America competition.
One former winner, Miss Alabama Amie Beth Shaver, claimed she doesn't know what that contest 'even is.'
Sara Milliken, who recently won the title of Miss National American Alabama 2024, is facing backlash from pageant fans and former titleholders questioning the legitimacy of her crown
The winner of Miss Alabama USA in 2024 was Diane Westhoven
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Shaver emphasized that there is only one recognized Miss Alabama title, which leads to the Miss America competition. In addition, there is Miss Alabama USA, which sends contestants to the Miss USA pageant.
'Miss America now is 101 years old and then Miss USA, which goes on the Miss Universe pageant,' Shaver told 1819news. 'But this National American Miss, no one has heard of it. I don't even know what it is.'
Plus-sized Miss Alabama hits back at trolls who branded her an 'unhealthy embarrassment'
The winner of Miss Alabama USA in 2024 was Diane Westhoven.
Shaver claimed Miss America owns the rights to the 'Miss Alabama' title, so it is wrong to use that title for a different pageant.
'If you are a pageant person, you're only going to participate in either Miss America or Miss USA,' Shaver added.
Milliken was overjoyed when she scooped the top prize in the National American Miss pageant.
But her delight was short lived, as vile trolls quickly began taunting her about her appearance.
'Even something that you type over a screen can have a lasting impression on people,' she told WKRG.
Sarah Milliken, 23, was overjoyed when she scooped the top prize in the National American Miss pageant
After National media outlets referred to Milliken as 'Miss Alabama,' former pageant winners voiced their confusion and concern
'Even though I'm not at that point, it can lead people to do some very dark things to themselves.'
Among the harsh comments was one from Blaine Tom Mieroughts, who wrote: 'I thought it was a beauty pageant.'
Randy Hicks added: 'Is that actually considered attractive in Alabama?'
John Mason said: 'This should have been (M)iss Jack in the Box winner,' a cruel reference to the fast food chain.
Others were kinder, with Tracie Stephens-Brooks 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.'
One former winner, Miss Alabama Amie Beth Shaver, claimed she doesn't know what that contest 'even is'
She is determined not to let the harsh criticism hold her back as she prepares for the national final which will be held in Florida over Thanksgiving
There is only one recognized Miss Alabama title, which leads to the Miss America competition. Pictured: Miss Alabama Diane Westhoven
Samantha Thrash Duff added: '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!;
And David Junior said: 'Great to finally not see some 100lb, blonde hair blue eyes who wants world peace win! Congrats to Alabama and this Queen!'
Now she is determined not to let the harsh criticism hold her back as she prepares for the national final which will be held in Florida over Thanksgiving.
'I'll be honest, it got to me for about five minutes,' she added . '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.'
Milliken's victory was her third attempt at the contest, which says it hopes to foster 'positive self-image by enhancing natural beauty within'.
In addition, there is Miss Alabama USA, which sends contestants to the Miss USA pageant. Pictured: Diane Westhoven
Diane Westhove, Miss Alabama USA 2024
She responded to an open call and competed over Memorial Day Weekend by taking part in a series of interviews, volunteer work and presentations.
Scoring in the pageant is based on 'personality, confidence and communication', according to organizers.
'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,' the website states.
Milliken admitted she was shocked by the response to her win, but has since received an influx of support from across the world gaining 2,500 followers across Instagram and Facebook in a single night.
'No matter what your body looks like, no matter where you come from, you can do anything you set your mind to,' Milliken said following her victory.
Milliken admitted she was shocked by the response to her win, but has since received an influx of support from across the world gaining 2,500 followers across Instagram and Facebook in a single night
'I met so many amazing and accomplished women. That was definitely the best part.'
Hundreds of her supporters have since flooded her inbox with offers of everything from dresses to thousands of dollars worth of beauty products to help her in the next round.
While she has been able to dust herself off, Milliken stressed it is not as easy for other victims of cyberbullying as she urged people to be kinder.
In response to the online hate about concerning her weight, the beauty queen said: 'The things some people were saying truly was disgusting. I choose not to dwell on that.'
'However, there is an important to be had and I feel that as a titleholder it would be extremely irresponsible for me not to address the 'second part' of this story.'I feel often times people resort to Cyberbullying because it doesn't feel real,' she continued. 'It's just words on a screen right? It can't possibly cause physical harm? Wrong. Victims of cyberbullying are twice more likely to engage in self harm and suicidal behaviors.'
