When Cassie Donegan won the title of Miss America, she had no idea that her triumph would be swiftly eclipsed by a barrage of abuse directed at her beauty.

Miss America Cassie Donegan

A number of internet users swiftly deluged social media with critical comments about Donegan’s pageant appearance. Under the bright stage lights, they claimed, the 28-year-old’s appearance seemed harsh and hefty.

Earlier this month, Cassie Donegan, Miss New York, was crowned Miss America 2026. In this year’s pageant circuit, Donegan was also Miss Five Boroughs. On Friday, she appeared on “The Rush Hour” to discuss her victory, her passion for New York, and her future.

Criticism over her makeup

Some even believed that Texas’s Sadie Schiermeyer, who finished second, ought to have taken first place. Donegan, who competed on behalf of New York on September 7 in Orlando, Florida, told that she is not allowing the vile remarks to bother her.

She said, “Everyone is free to express their own opinions, particularly in a public setting like the internet. Indeed, that negativity does exist, and it is their reality. I completely accept their right to hold that perspective. However, I’m surrounded by a lot of individuals who are supporting me and showing me love. I simply refuse to let [their hostility] overshadow the very amazing event that is taking place.”

Who is Cassie Donegan?

Donegan was an actress and performer in addition to serving as the chief operating officer (COO) of the childcare booking business Southern Sitters before she was crowned Miss America.

After winning Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen 2013, Donegan, who had been in pageantry since she was nine years old, qualified for the state pageant as Miss Greater Springfield’s Outstanding Teen 2013, and went on to win her first major pageant title.

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