Survivors of domestic violence applauded the winner of the 2024 Miss Kansas pageant after she stood on stage to call out her abuser who appeared at the pageant. Before Alexis Smith was selected from 26 participants in the state competition on June 8, 2024 to represent Kansas in the 2025 Miss America pageant, she was asked to speak on stage about her project Reclaimed Respect.
“My vision as the next Miss Kansas is to end unhealthy and abusive relationships,” Smith said. “Actually, some of you in the audience saw me very depressed because my abuser is here today. But that will not stop me from being on this stage of Miss Kansas and representing as the next Miss Kansas. Because I and my community, we deserve good relations. [violence] free life.”
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In a video shared on TikTok, the newly crowned Miss Kansas wrote, “Restored Honor is about reclaiming your power and standing up for it. On the night of Miss Kansas, my journey took an unexpected turn when the person I was recovering from tried to destroy my peace. Instead of staying silent, I chose to live my vision for a better world, but I couldn’t. look for a better world.”
He wrote that it wasn’t about hiding from anyone, but about “turning our pain into a purpose and channeling it in a way that unites and elevates emotions.”
He wrote: “I intend to use my story, tools and resources to end bad relationships of all kinds. “My voice and advocacy will empower everyone to find their power in their own unique way.
I may be small in stature, but I stand tall in energy, purpose, and strength in hopes of inspiring others to do the same.”
People who have experienced abuse themselves applauded her advocacy.
“As a victim of domestic abuse, I commend you for speaking up!! I watched this 10 times!! I’m still being harassed by her parents even though they don’t have a contact order. I plan to help women like us.”
“I’M THAT WOMAN. This is so amazing. From one survivor to another, I’m so proud of you for getting this moment back for you. You’re going to do amazing things”
He is very brave of you. You just made a statement for all women. I’m really grateful to you.
“As a former survivor…I am SO MANY OF YOU!! Love, Guest “
“We saw you ACTIVELY show your stage LIVE IN PERSON! My respect for you is great, Mrs. Alexis. This is more than any crown, I can’t wait to watch your journey. As someone who grew up in domestic violence, I have a great feeling to watch. You will always have a supporter in me. You absolutely ate that.”
“WOMAN! As a fellow survivor, you are an inspiration and I am so proud of you for using your voice and showing your strength.”
“”I was emotionally and mentally abused for a very long time,” Smith shared with KMUW, “and I was realizing that I was losing control of my emotions, trying to save someone else’s feelings, so I could save myself. I realize we don’t want to go down together. I need to be able to leave this relationship. That way, I can look forward to the future, because you never know what might happen to your partner or what might happen to you when you are in those relationships.”
According to The Wichita Eagle, Smith is using his 19 years of experience as a ventriloquist to teach children about healthy relationships with puppets as part of his Reclaimed Respect project. She also works full time as a cardiac ICU nurse. And she went on to compete in Miss America 2025 in Orlando in January, where Miss Alabama Abbie Stockard was crowned.
This article started two years ago. Updated.
The post Contest winner bravely calls out her abuser in the audience during her final interview appeared first on Upworthy.
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