Although Alexis Smith was awarded Miss Kansas last month, it wasn’t until last week that a video of her speaking out against domestic abuse during an onstage interview went viral.
After Smith emerged victorious in the Miss Kansas pageant on June 8, she and the organization shared the experience on several social media sites, revealing her alleged abuser was present. Smith was recently asked in the pageant interview how she would use her position as brand ambassador should she win.
She stated that her goal was to “eliminate” violent and dysfunctional relationships.
“Matter of fact, some of you out in this audience saw me very emotional, because my abuser is here today,” Smith stated. “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.”
Smith shared on Instagram that she spoke up in order to live out her vision of a better society and to use her platform.
“I took back my power—not just for myself, but for my dreams and everyone watching and listening,” Smith stated. “This isn’t about shunning others; it’s about turning our pain into purpose and channeling it in a way that unifies and uplifts.”
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Smith disclosed that she has been in abusive relationships since she was a small child. Smith claimed to have experienced domestic abuse as a victim, bystander, and survivor.
“My family, every single woman in my family, was impacted by domestic violence,” she stated.
Smith is now transitioning into a role of advocacy and calling Miss Kansas’s message “Respect Reclaimed.” She added to the station that she was “incredibly excited” about the opportunity to tell young men and women about her experience.
