By Scottie Andrew, CNN 2 minute read Updated 9:22 PM EDT, Mon July 22, 2024
(There was a time when this would not have been allowed to be spoken of within the pageant, even after VAWA passed. I’m glad we’ve managed to raise a few generations with more confidence than we had at their ages.)
https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/22/us/miss-kansas-abuser-domestic-violence-cec/index.html
Alexis Smith was crowned Miss Kansas last month. She wowed audiences when she told them that her abuser was in the audience, reinforcing her platform of ending domestic violence. Miss America/AP/FileCNN —
Being a pageant winner takes more than beauty and talent. The newly crowned Miss Kansas Alexis Smith showed that winning the title sometimes requires bravery, too.
Smith stunned the judges during her final interview at the Miss Kansas competition last month when she said that her abuser was in the audience.
It only reinforced the importance of her platform — “to eliminate unhealthy and abusive relationships.”
When asked about her vision for her tenure as Miss Kansas, Smith maintained her composure in a sparkly azure dress.
“Some of you out in this audience saw me very emotional, because my abuser is here today,” she said.
“But that’s not going to stop me from being on this Miss Kansas stage and from representing as the next Miss Kansas,” she continued to applause and cheers. “Because I and my community deserve healthy relationships.”
She provided more context in an Instagram post the month after her win. On the night of the pageant, she said, “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,” she wrote. “I took back my power — not just for myself, but for my dreams and everyone watching and listening.”
She added, “I’m ready to use my story, tools, and resources to end unhealthy relationships in all forms.”
Scottie's Playtime 
As an abuse survivor, I know and I understand the benefit of having the ability in a safe environment to stand up to your abuser and tell our story. Thank you Ali, for posting this. Hugs. Scottie
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You’re welcome. As with much in the US, it’s one step forward, two steps back, but there it is. At least the young people have been raised better, and won’t stand for it anymore.
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Hi Ali. Well most of them. The red state ones raised by fundamentalist parents may still turn out to be abusers and haters. But we have to hope with Kamal the country is ready to move forward and win. Hugs. Scottie
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