The audience at the Miss Kansas beauty pageant was left stunned after the newly crowned winner called out her alleged abuser on stage. Even judges were shocked as she announced during the interview session of the competition that her abuser was in the crowd.
The video of the incident, which has gone viral, has projected the new beauty queen as a domestic violence champion.
An Unexpected Twist at Miss Kansas 2024
On June 8, 2024, at the Dennis Lesh Sports Arena, young ladies contested against one another for the coveted Miss Kansas crown. After hours of fierce competition, a winner will emerge, who will represent the state in the Miss America pageant.
It was during the closing interview that the unexpected happened. A contestant who later went on to win told the audience that she was a victim of domestic abuse.
Who is Miss Kansas 2024?
Alexis Smith, a 25-year-old nurse, clinched the Miss Kansas 2024 crown. In addition, she took home the competition’s prize money worth $15,500 and the opportunity to compete for national honors at the Miss America pageant in January 2025.
Alexis Smith works overnight shifts at the intensive care unit of a medical facility. During the pageant, she had cause to showcase her medical expertise by performing a ventriloquism act.
A Domestic Violence Victim Turned Beauty Queen
It was while answering a question about her commitment to rights advocacy if she won the award that Smith revealed she was a domestic violence victim. “Matter of fact, some of you in this audience saw me very emotional because my abuser is here today,” she replied.
“But that’s not going to stop me from being on this Miss Kansas and from representing on this Miss Kansas,” she continued.
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Miss Kansas 2024 Vowed to Advocate for Healthy Relationships
Speaking further, Alexis Smith told the community that she wanted to win because “I, and my community, deserve healthy relationships.”
“We deserve a domestic [violence]-free life,” she continued as the audience erupted with applause. Miss Smith later revealed that she was in an abusive relationship for several years. She disclosed that the relationship began in her early teens and that other members of her family were also victims.
Her Confession Video Went Viral
Not long after the incident, videos of her surprising revelation went viral. Miss America Kansas had posted clips of her response on their social media platforms. The videos soon racked up hundreds of thousands of views on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
Many viewers commented on the videos with words of encouragement for the beauty queen. Many saw her statement as a boost for other victims of domestic violence who haven’t found the courage to speak out.
What Did Social Media Viewers Have to Say?
The videos of her interview drew thousands of interesting comments from social media users. Under a post of the video clip by Alexis Smith’s official X account a comment read, “Wow! I got chills watching that. Well done you!”
Another viewer wrote, “The courage it took! You are and will be an inspiration to many people! Bravo for standing up for yourself and others.”
Miss Kansas Displayed “Real Courage”
“That’s real courage,” a user commented. Most of the comments saluted her bravery in coming out with a story that many victims find hard to tell.
Another X user, who is probably a victim of domestic violence, thanked her for her courage and had some reassuring words for her. “Thank you for no longer being afraid and showing other young girls how good bravery looks on us abused women [sic]!”
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Miss Kansas Later Told Her Story
Subsequently, Smith had opportunities to tell her story. In an interview with the press, she disclosed her journey through domestic abuse.
“At the age of 14, I got in my first relationship, but it was also an abusive relationship that I was in until about 2018, 2019. It’s something that I am still experiencing and dealing with till today,” she revealed.
She Disclosed Her Reason for Speaking Up At the Competition
Smith also revealed why she spoke up about her domestic abuse on the competition’s stage. “On the night of Miss Kansas, my journey took an unexpected turn when someone I have been healing from tried to disrupt my peace,” she explained.
“Instead of falling into silence, I chose to live out my vision for a better world. I took back my power, not just for myself, but for my dreams and everyone watching and listening.”
Miss Kansas Abuser Name
Contrary to popular expectations, Miss Kansas didn’t reveal the name of her abuser. However, she has pledged to fight for other victims who may not have been as brave as she was.
She has matched her words with action by setting up a community service program called Respect Reclaimed: Advocating for Healthy Relationships. According to her, the initiative is about “reclaiming your power and standing firmly on it.”
Domestic Violence in America
Domestic violence has remained a problem in American society. According to a statement from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which focuses on intimate partner violence, domestic violence is a public health issue.
According to the report, domestic violence has a “profound impact on lifelong health, opportunity, and well-being.” Thankfully, Smith has joined the campaign to rescue over 10 million domestic violence victims in America.
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