Cassie Donegan, a 28-year-old New York native, experienced what it felt like to have your dreams come true on September 7 when she was officially crowned Miss America 2026. Donegan, a talented singer, beat out 52 other candidates from all over the nation. She also won $53,000 in tuition funds as part of her prize.<\/p>\n
However, what should have been one of the happiest days of the young woman\u2019s life was nearly diminished by online hate. While many social media users were quick to share their congratulations on the win, others took this as an opportunity to criticize her. A lot of this criticism was focused on Donegan\u2019s appearance, particularly her pageant makeup during the final round of the competition.<\/p>\n
Now, in a vulnerable interview with People<\/em><\/a>, Donegan has opened up about how she is handling the criticism and how it has made her feel.<\/p>\n “Often you do have to just pick and choose what you allow yourself to digest,” she said. “I think that’s something that’s been a really useful tool, really leaning into those who are lifting me up, loving me, and holding me high, and choosing to focus on the positivity that’s happening in the moment.”<\/p>\n COMPLEX SHOP:<\/b> Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what’s next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.<\/a><\/p>\n However, despite her positivity, it doesn\u2019t mean that these comments don\u2019t still sting.<\/p>\n “I’m just a normal person. No, I don’t want to hear people ever say anything negative, especially about my appearance,” Donegan went on. “But I also respect that the internet is a public space and that people have the right to their opinion to be able to share that, and no one’s going to be everyone’s favorite all of the time.”<\/p>\n Doneagan also acknowledged that just because some people may choose to use social media to say negative things about her doesn\u2019t mean that she has to choose to internalize those comments.<\/p>\n <\/a> The 25 Weirdest Beauty Pageant Talents<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n ,<\/p>\n <\/a> Here’s Kacey Musgraves’ New Album ‘Pageant Material’<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n ,<\/p>\n <\/a> Miss New York Kira Kazantsev Won the Miss America Pageant<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Florida Man Calls Police After Wild Boar Barrels Into His Home<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Iryna Zarutska’s Death on Light Rail Train Sparks Outrage After Video Release<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\nRelated News<\/h3>\n
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