'Very Emotional Because..': Miss Kansas 2024 Opens Up About Abuser Being In The Audience During Beauty Pageant

Alexis Smith, crowned Miss Kansas 2024 on June 8, has used her platform to address a deeply personal issue. In her final interview during the pageant, Smith shared her experience with domestic violence, a moment she later highlighted in a social media post.

In the clip shared on her social media, Smith responded to a question about her vision as the next Miss Kansas. She revealed that her abuser was in the audience. 바카라�My vision as the next Miss Kansas is to eliminate unhealthy and abusive relationships,바카라� she said. 바카라�Matter of fact, some of you out in this audience saw me very emotional because my abuser is here today.바카라�

Despite the painful situation, Smith remained determined. 바카라�But that바카라�s not going to stop me from being on this Miss Kansas stage and from representing as the next Miss Kansas because I, and my community, deserve healthy relationships. We deserve a domestic violence-free life,바카라� she added.

In the caption of her social media post, Smith reflected on her experience. She wrote, 바카라�My Miss Kansas journey took an unexpected turn when someone I have been healing from tried to disrupt my peace. Instead of falling into silence, I chose to live out my vision for a better world. I took back my power바카라�not just for myself, but for my dreams and everyone watching and listening.바카라�

Smith expressed her commitment to using her 바카라�story, tools, and resources to end unhealthy relationships in all forms바카라� and to advocate for others. She concluded, 바카라�I might be small in stature, but I stand tall in strength, purpose, and power with hopes of inspiring others to do the same.바카라�

The post received widespread support. Commenters praised Smith for her bravery and shared their own experiences with domestic violence. One comment read, 바카라�WHAT A WOMAN. This is absolutely incredible. From one survivor to another, I am SO SO proud of you for reclaiming this moment for yourself. You will do amazing things.바카라�

Another commenter noted Smith바카라�s 바카라�strength and resiliency,바카라� saying, 바카라�You are truly a queen from the inside out, and I thank you for being a beautiful role model to so many.바카라�

Smith바카라�s openness has inspired others to speak out and take action. A commenter described as a victim of domestic violence wrote, 바카라�I plan on helping women like us as well.바카라�

In a July 18 interview with KSNW, an NBC affiliate in Wichita, Smith reiterated her commitment to advocating for healthy relationships. She shared that 바카라�every single woman바카라� in her family had been impacted by domestic violence. Smith expressed excitement about the opportunity to make a large-scale impact and to use her experience to inspire others.