‘Miss Alabama’ Sara Milliken’s title is being disputed after fans claim plus size pageant queen isn’t the real deal

A pageant queen who was crowned Miss National American Alabama 2024 is facing backlash from fans and former titleholders who are questioning the legitimacy of her title.

Plus-size beauty pageant contestant Sara Milliken sparked controversy after her victory over Memorial Day weekend when cruel trolls attacked her weight.

But now critics are expressing confusion after several media outlets referred to Milliken as “Miss Alabama.”

They were quick to point out that the 23-year-old did not compete in the official Miss America competition.

A former winner, Miss Alabama Amie Beth Shaver, claimed she doesn’t know what that competition “actually entails.”

Sara Milliken, who recently won the title of Miss National American Alabama 2024, is facing backlash from pageant fans and former title holders who are questioning the legitimacy of her crown

The winner of Miss Alabama USA in 2024 was Diane Westhoven

Shaver emphasized that there is only one recognized Miss Alabama title, which leads to the Miss America competition. There is also Miss Alabama USA, which sends contestants to the Miss USA pageant.

“Miss America is now 101 years old and then Miss USA, who is competing in the Miss Universe pageant,” Shaver said 1819news. “But this National American Miss, no one has heard of it. I don’t even know what it is.’

The winner of Miss Alabama USA in 2024 was Diane Westhoven.

Shaver claimed that Miss America owns the rights to the title “Miss Alabama,” so it is wrong to use that title for another pageant.

“If you’re a pageant, you only compete in Miss America or Miss USA,” Shaver added.

Milliken was overjoyed when she won the top prize in the National American Miss pageant.

But her joy was short-lived as mean trolls soon started taunting her about her appearance.

“Even something you type on a screen can leave a lasting impression on people,” she said WKRG.

Sarah Milliken, 23, was overjoyed when she won the top prize in the National American Miss pageant

After national media dubbed Milliken “Miss Alabama,” former pageant winners expressed confusion and concern

“Even though I’m not at that point yet, it can lead to people doing 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 lend a helping hand to anyone in need. 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 competition “actually” is

She is determined not to let the harsh criticism hold her back as she prepares for the national finals 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 a wonderful, sweet young woman and will do great things!;

And David Junior said: ‘Great to finally not see a 100 pound blonde haired, blue eyed guy trying to win world peace! Congratulations to Alabama and this queen!’

Now she is determined not to let the harsh criticism hold her back as she prepares for the national finals to be held in Florida over Thanksgiving.

“I’ll be honest, it lasted about five minutes,” she added. ‘Their words can hurt, even if it’s online.

“I’ve always wanted to spread positivity, and this has put me in a position to do just that.”

Milliken’s win was her third attempt at the competition, which she says hopes to “promote positive self-image by enhancing the natural beauty within.”

There is also Miss Alabama USA, which sends contestants to the Miss USA pageant. In the photo: Diane Westhoven

Diane Westhove, Miss Alabama USA 2024

She responded to an open call and participated in Memorial Day Weekend by participating in a series of interviews, volunteer work and presentations.

According to the organizers, scoring in the election is based on ‘personality, trust and communication’.

“Braces, glasses, skin problems, different heights, weights and appearances are all part of creating the special and unique person that you are and that we want to celebrate,” the website says.

Milliken admitted she was shocked by the reaction to her win, but has since received a lot of support from around the world, gaining 2,500 followers on Instagram and Facebook overnight.

“No matter what your body looks like, no matter where you come from, you can do anything you put your mind to,” Milliken said after her win.

Milliken admitted she was shocked by the response to her win, but has since received support from around the world, gaining 2,500 followers on Instagram and Facebook overnight.

‘I have met so many amazing and talented 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 get to the next round.

Although she has been able to dust herself off, Milliken stressed that it is not as easy for other victims of cyberbullying as she urged people to be kinder.

Responding to the online hate about her weight, the beauty queen said: ‘The things some people said were really disgusting. I choose not to think about that.’

“However, there is something important to do and I think as a titleholder it would be extremely irresponsible of me not to address the ‘second part’ of this story. “I feel like people often resort to cyberbullying because it has no effect. really feel,” she continued. ‘They’re just words on a screen, right? Can’t it possibly cause physical damage? Wrong. Victims of cyberbullying are twice as likely to engage in self-harm and suicidal behavior.”