MISS KANSAS BRAVELY CALL OUT ON HER ABUSER ON PUBLIC STAGE AND LAUNCHED FIGHT AGAINST DV
In order to reinforce the poise they want to project, beauty pageant contestants are frequently trained to respond to the hosts' questions with grace and intelligence. That's why many people were moved by Alexis Smith's message when she, the newly crowned Miss Kansas, spoke her truth. Smith confronted her abuser of domestic violence from the stage after realising he was present in the audience.
Smith was questioned about her vision for herself as the next Miss Kansas during the pageant's interview phase. "I want to end unhealthy and abusive relationships as the next Miss Kansas," Smith responded, sharing her feelings for the entire evening. In fact, because my abuser is here today, some of you in the audience may have noticed that I was acting very emotional. However, that won't deter me from competing as the next Miss Kansas and from appearing on this 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," Smith said in an interview with Good Morning America about that evening. I opted to live out my dream of a better world rather than going silent. I reclaimed my power, not only for myself but also for my dreams and the attention of all those around me.
Smith, a cardiothoracic critical care nurse in Wichita, also disclosed that she had spent a few years fleeing the abusive relationship by moving to Texas. She told the local television station KSN, "Domestic violence affected every woman in my family." "I entered my first relationship at the age of 14, but it ended abusively, and I stayed in it until roughly 2018 or 2019." I'm still having to deal with it and experiencing it today.
Inspired by her victory, she is now encouraging others to seek support by starting a community service project called Respect Reclaimed: Advocating for Healthy Relationships. She says, "You are strong, this is not your fault, and you have the ability to take the lead to everyone watching who has experienced domestic violence."In January 2025, Smith will represent Kansas in the Miss America pageant. In the interim, you can keep up with Smith's Respect Reclaimed initiative and her Miss Kansas endeavours by following her on Instagram.