New Miss America responds to online critics targeting her appearance

When Cassi Dungan was crowned Miss America, she never imagined that her victory would quickly be angry by a wave of criticism targeting her appearance.

Several social media users were immersed by social media due to harsh criticism of the Donegan competition. They argued that the appearance of the 28 -year -old appeared to be heavy and harsh under the bright theater lights. Some even claimed the runner -up Schiermeyer, which represents Texas, should have instead won.

Donijan, who represented New York in the competition on September 7 in Orlando, Florida, told Fox News Digital that she does not leave hateful words under her skin.

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Cassi Dungan was crowned Miss America on September 7, 2025, at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Florida. (Miss Aryica IP Inc.)

“The truth is, when something big happens like this, there will be many opinions,” she said.

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“Everyone has the right to their opinion, especially in such a general forum like the Internet … [their negativity] To really pick up the stunning thing that happens. “

Cassie Dunejan, a brilliant singer, offered her talent during the competition. (Miss Aryica IP Inc.)

Donijan indicated that she focuses more to be a role model for younger girls all over the country.

Watch: Miss Aryica addresses social media criticism after winning

“I am able to look at these young girls and say:” I am not different from you now, and you are very able to do anything you want to do. “” I want them to believe in themselves, because if they don’t do that, no one else will come. Empowerment really comes from the inside. And if there is a small part of me to get out of it, I did my role. This will be something that I will be grateful to be part of that. “

Abe Stockard, the commissioner, got Miss America last year, with a grant behind her with the permissible crown and SASH and TUT. (Miss Aryica IP Inc.)

Miss America, a great competition, was born from the Atlantic City beauty competition in 1921, just one year after women gave the right to vote, Associated Press I mentioned. Many participants say that the organization-a great provider for the help of young women-has been changing for life, as it opened the doors for them personally and professionally.

The organization, one of the most famous brands in the country, gives more than $ 5 million in cash grants annually, as well as millions of millions at national, state and local levels.

Cassie Dunegan compete against 52 other contestants from all fifty states. (Miss Aryica IP Inc.)

Miss Americaa winner last yearAbe Stockard from Alabama, crowned her back. Donijan’s victory included a $ 50,000 scholarship, in addition to an additional $ 3,000 grant for its performance in the primary talent competition.

Dunjan said that the ocean itself with people “pouring positive in you” is the key to fighting hateful words online.

The first runner -up in the Miss America contest was Sadi Shermer from Texas. (Miss Aryica IP Inc.)

“I know it is really difficult,” she confessed. “It is difficult not to open my phone and want to go and see what people say, but curiosity really kills the cat … I have heard once that the opinion of others in you is not your work [live] by. Their opinion on me is good because this is their truth, but this does not mean that my opinion is my opinion.

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Cassi Dunjan represented New York (John NACION/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust)

“[I ask myself]”Do they say that directly to me if it is not behind the screen?” … at the end of the day, if you surround yourself with positivity and the people who know you, who loves you and see you, the other noise will be a much lower task. “

The prominent singer said she has developed thick skin over the years.

Miss America Cassi Dunijan visits the Empire State building on September 17, 2025 in New York City. (John NACION/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust)

“I am from a younger town. We were a low -income family,” she said. “I have fought us a lot. I dealt with bullying strongly. My mother He had a lot of health problems. She had the first multiple stroke when I was only nine years old. In some days, we did not even know whether some facilities would be running. On some days they were not on. “

Cassie Donegan was not faded by online consultants who criticized the contest. (Miss Aryica IP Inc.)

“This is not necessarily the background that someone thinks when he looks glamorous like the opportunity of Miss America from abroad,” Dunigan pointed out. “But if you allow life and your circumstances to control your results, you will probably prevent you from standing in spaces like Miss America.”

“I It was not in a dress worth $ 10,000“I have continued.” I gave me my group of talents and sponsored. The makeup you used, some of which came from pharmacies. The other part is sponsored by an incredible makeup sponsor.

Miss America, Cassi Dunejan, spoke to Fox News, about her difficult childhood. (John NACION/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust)

“There is no set of rules that you have to spend a certain amount of money, or you must come from a certain background or lifestyle to be able to miss America, or be whatever you want to be.

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Cassi Dunjan wants to emphasize the message of unity during its rule. (Miss Aryica IP Inc.)

Donijan said one message you want To highlight her reign It is the unit during the time divided in our nation.

Miss Aryica Cassie Donegan was a hot theme on social media. (Miss Aryica IP Inc.)

“I am the daughter of one of the veterans of the US Navy,” she said. “I have come from a long series of veterans. My brother is now also in the process of possibility … joining our army as well. I have a lot of The pride of our armed forces Here in the United States.

“I think just seeing this dedication day after day to protect our country and … protect the things that have been established our country – to be able to get equality for everyone. Be able to have spaces full of love and kindness. The ability to look at your neighbor and say,” Your journey is as important as my journey. “

Miss America Cassi Dunigan received a $ 50,000 scholarship. (Miss Aryica IP Inc.)

“Something great in my job like Miss America is that although I have my own beliefs or opinions, I am not committed to creating … a safe space.” “It is a space for you to be able to stand up and say your truth, live your truth, be your reality, and you understand that there is love here, there is a society here. We can have these rooms full of people from different backgrounds, a different walk for life, and to be able to get these original moments of communication and conversation.”

Cassi Dunejan said she wanted to be a role model for young girls. (Miss Aryica IP Inc.)

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“I think as soon as we can hear each other and understand each other, we can start seeing the unit,” he added.