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.
“In fact, because my abuser is here today, several of you in the crowd have seen me get quite emotional,” Smith replied. “However, that won’t deter me from competing for the title of Miss Kansas and promoting Kansas going forward. Because I deserve healthy relationships, and so does my community.”
Smith did not name her attacker in her response or in the posts that followed.
In recent days, Smith’s official sites and the Miss Kansas social media organization have shared the video on TikTok, X, and Instagram. Social media users were grateful that Smith chose to raise this sensitive subject in a public comment.
“You just defended women in general. I’m grateful,” someone posted on Instagram. “I apologize for the experience you had. And I appreciate you speaking up.
“I was struck by this as a survivor. I appreciate you raising your voice. You’ve just inspired countless people you’ll never meet,” another TikTok user remarked.
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 reclaimed my power, not only for myself but also for my aspirations and the eyes and ears of everyone around me,” wrote Smith. “This is about transforming our suffering into a purpose and using it to inspire and unite people, not about rejecting other people.”
In an interview with NBC station KSN on Thursday, 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.
“Domestic violence affected every woman in my family,” the woman remarked.
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.