Before Alexis Smith was crowned Miss Kansas in June, she told the audience what message she would send if she were chosen to hold the title in 2024.
The video clip of Smith’s remarks has now gone viral since it was shared on the Miss Kansas Society’s social media pages on July 12, garnering more than 200,000 views on Instagram.
Miss Butler County, Alexis Smith, was crowned Miss Kansas 2024 during a ceremony in June.
R. Tindle Photography, via Miss America
“My vision as the next Miss Kansas is to end unhealthy and abusive relationships,” Smith said, adding, “The fact is, some of you in the audience may have seen me get quite emotional today because there is an abuser here, but that’s not going to stop me from standing on this Miss Kansas stage and representing as the next Miss Kansas, because I and my community deserve healthy relationships. We deserve a life of home and freedom. Thank you.”
Many users on X also praised her for her powerful statement, with one writing, “That was brave! You are and will continue to be an inspiration to so many!”
Smith, who became just the third black woman to be crowned Miss Kansas in the pageant’s 82-year history, recounted the shocking moment in an interview with “Good Morning America” that aired Wednesday.
“At the end of the day, my role is to use this platform to speak out against domestic violence. I should have told him at that moment, ‘Yes, you are on my mind right now,'” she said. “‘But you’re not going to take this opportunity away from me.'”
“He wanted complete control over how I spent my time and who I spent it with,” recalled the Wichita native, who competed as Miss Butler County at the awards ceremony at Pratt Community College. “The biggest impact and regret I have is the way I treated others in response to how he wanted me to treat others or to distance myself from others.”
Miss Butler County, Alexis Smith, was crowned Miss Kansas 2024 during a ceremony in June.
From SL Studios to Miss America
Although Smith has not publicly discussed the type of abuse she experienced, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that intimate partner violence, in particular, is a significant public health issue: According to a CDC survey, approximately 41% of women and 26% of men report sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner, and more than 61 million women and more than 53 million men report psychological aggression by an intimate partner.
The Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women also notes that “domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological, or technological acts or threatened acts, or other coercive patterns of behavior that affect two or more people in an intimate partner relationship.”
Smith explained that each time she shared her story, it was an opportunity for her to heal from the trauma.
Miss Butler County, Alexis Smith, was crowned Miss Kansas 2024 during a ceremony in June.
Bill Ray (via Miss America)
“It really helps me really appreciate what I went through and see how I can break it down and help bring other people up from that,” she said.
Family law attorney and psychologist David Glass told GMA that the impact of Smith speaking out about her experience has been “extremely powerful.”
“Because if she was able to do that, it gives people the impression, first of all, that if she can withstand abuse, then I can withstand abuse, and secondly, if she was strong enough to come forward and denounce this person, then maybe I can do the same,” Glass explained.
Smith, who will use her platform to compete in the Miss America pageant in January, is now launching a community service initiative called “Restoring Respect: Advocating for Healthy Relationships” to encourage others to find support.
“To any of my viewers who have experienced domestic violence, you are strong. This is not your fault. You have the power to take control,” she said.
“‘Respect Reclaimed’ is about taking back your power and standing firm in it,” Smith explained in an Instagram post earlier this month.
“The night of Miss Kansas, my journey took an unexpected turn when someone I had been healing from tried to disturb my peace,” she continued. “Instead of falling into silence, I chose to live my vision for a better world. I took my power back — not just for myself, but for my dreams and all those who are watching and listening.”
The cardiothoracic intensive care unit nurse turned pageant winner also wrote that she plans to turn her negative experiences into a positive platform and work as an advocate for victims of domestic violence.
“This isn’t about shunning others, it’s about transforming pain into purpose and channeling it in a way that unifies and uplifts,” Smith added in her post. “I am ready to use my experience, tools and resources to end unhealthy relationships in all forms. My voice and advocacy empowers everyone to reclaim their power in their own unique way. I may be short, but I stand tall with strength, purpose and power in my desire to inspire others to do the same.”
Miss America, the national governing body for Miss Kansas, declined to comment on Smith and her community service work.
“The Miss Kansas Organization is committed to providing a platform for advocacy and empowerment. Alexis’ advocacy embodies the values of the Miss Kansas program and inspires others to make a difference,” the Miss Kansas Organization said in a statement to “GMA.”
If you need help or need help supporting others, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or chat online at TheHotline.org. All calls are free and confidential. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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