Alabama Woman Faces Cyberbullying After Winning Miss National American Alabama Title

An Atmore woman identified as Sara Milliken recently clinched the prestigious title of Miss National American Alabama after a dedicated pursuit over eight years. However, the spotlight surrounding her victory quickly turned sour after public attention focused on her weight, sparking an onslaught of cyberbullying.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global rate of obesity has doubled since the 1990s, with detrimental effects on health and well-being. Milliken, who appeared on WKRG in Mobile following her win, faced intense scrutiny due to her weight, drawing negative comments and cyberbullying.

Following the WKRG interview, which propelled the story to viral status, netizens highlighted Milliken’s obesity, stirring a debate on body positivity and the promotion of overweight lifestyles that can lead to health risks. The issue of cyberbullying emerged as Milliken faced a barrage of hurtful comments online.

Jordan Evans, a social media user, questioned the continuous coverage of Milliken by WKRG, denouncing the cyberbullying she endured. Former pageant winner Amie Beth Shaver also underscored the misuse of the title ‘Miss Alabama,’ clarifying the distinctions between Miss America, Miss USA, and the lesser-known National American Miss title.

Shaver emphasized that the official ‘Miss Alabama’ title is reserved for pageants affiliated with Miss America, further shedding light on the differences in pageant competitions and titles. Despite the criticism and misrepresentation, Milliken addressed the cyberbullying on Instagram and advocated against the harmful effects of such online behavior.

In her Instagram response, Milliken condemned the cyberbullying directed at her and highlighted the dangers it poses, especially in relation to mental health and self-harm. She urged those facing similar challenges to seek help and support, emphasizing the real-world impacts of online harassment.