Though Alexis Smith was crowned Miss Kansas back in June, the speech she made shortly before receiving the win is now back in the headlines—and for a good reason.
In the resurfaced clip, during the Q&A portion of the pageant, Smith was asked what her vision would be as the next brand ambassador for Miss Kansas. That’s when Smith answered by saying she’d “eliminate unhealthy and abusive relationships” and shocked the audience by bravely revealing that her own abuser was there in the audience that night.
“Matter of fact, some of you out in this audience saw me very emotional, because my abuser is here today,” Smith responded. “But that’s not going to stop me from being on this Miss Kansas and from representing as the next Miss Kansas. Because I, and my community, deserve healthy relationships.”
See the clip below:
Smith and the official Miss Kansas website posted the clip on Instagram following her win. In the caption, Smith elaborated on why she used that moment to highlight survivors of and the subject of abuse in her speech:
On the night of Miss Kansas, my 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 power—not just for myself, but for my dreams and everyone watching and listening. This isn’t about shunning others; it’s about turning our pain into purpose and channeling it in a way that unifies and uplifts. I’m ready to use my story, tools, and resources to end unhealthy relationships in all forms. My voice and advocacy will empower everyone to reclaim their own power in their own unique way.
“I might be small in stature, but I stand tall in strength, purpose, and power with hopes of inspiring others to do the same,” she concluded.