Alexis Smith was crowned Miss Kansas last month but a clip posted from her on-stage interview where she spoke up about domestic abuse has made the rounds online just last week.
Smith won the Miss Kansas pageant on June 8, but she and the organization posted the moment Smith revealed that her alleged abuser was in the audience on multiple platforms. The pageant interview had just asked Smith what she would use her role as brand ambassador for if she won.
Her vision was to “eliminate” unhealthy and abusive relationships, Smith said.
“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.”
Smith did not identify her abuser in her answer or in her subsequent posts.
The clip has been circulated on TikTok, X and Instagram in recent days by both Smith on her official pages and the Miss Kansas social media. Commenters across social media platforms expressed gratitude for Smith’s decision to speak up on such a difficult topic.
“You just stood up for all women. Thank you,” one person wrote on Instagram. “I’m sorry for what you went through. And thank you for speaking up.”
“As a survivor, this moved me. thank you for using your voice. you just gave strength to many you’ll never meet,” another person wrote on TikTok.
Smith wrote on Instagram that her reason for speaking up was to user her platform and live in her vision for a better world.
“I took back my power—not just for myself, but for my dreams and everyone watching and listening,” Smith wrote. “This isn’t about shunning others; it’s about turning our pain into purpose and channeling it in a way that unifies and uplifts.”
Smith spoke to NBC News affiliate KSNTV on Thursday, where she revealed her experience with abusive relationships began at a young age. Smith said that she’s been a bystander, victim and survivor of domestic abuse.
“My family, every single woman in my family, was impacted by domestic violence,” Smith said.
Smith’s now moving into an advocate role, dubbing her platform as Miss Kansas “Respect Reclaimed.” She also told the news station that she was “incredibly excited” to be able to share her story with young men and women.
