Miss America Cassie Donegan defends pageant makeup after being attacked online by trolls
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When Cassie Donegan was crowned Miss America, she never imagined her victory would be overshadowed by a wave of online criticism.
Shortly after the competition, several social media users harshly critiqued the 28-year-old’s pageant makeup, arguing that it appeared heavy under the stage lights. Some even claimed that runner-up Sadie Schiermeyer of Texas should have won instead.
Donegan, who represented New York at the Sept. 7 competition in Orlando, Florida, told Fox News Digital she refuses to let negativity cloud her achievement.
“The reality is, when something big happens like this, there are going to be many opinions,” she said. “Yes, there is negativity out there, and that is their truth. But I’m surrounded by so much love and support, and I’m not allowing it to overshadow this incredible moment.”
Rather than focusing on the criticism, Donegan said she’s committed to being a role model for younger girls.
“I want them to believe in themselves, because if they don’t, no one else will,” she explained. “If there’s even a small part of me that inspires them, then I’ve done my part.”
The accomplished singer also reflected on her own journey, sharing how her upbringing shaped her resilience.
“I grew up in a lower-income family, and my mom had multiple strokes when I was young. We struggled a lot, and I faced bullying,” she said. “That’s not the background people usually associate with Miss America. But if you allow circumstances to control your outcome, you might never get to stand in spaces like this.”
Her victory included a $50,000 tuition scholarship and an additional $3,000 scholarship for her preliminary talent performance. Donegan emphasized that her path to the crown wasn’t about glamour or wealth.
“I wasn’t in a $10,000 gown. My talent outfit was sponsored, and much of my makeup was from drugstores,” she said. “There are no rules that say you have to come from a certain background to be Miss America. Your circumstances do not decide your outcome.”
As the daughter of a U.S. Navy veteran, Donegan said she hopes to use her platform to encourage unity in a divided time.
“I come from a long line of veterans. My brother is preparing to join the military as well. I have a lot of pride in our armed forces,” she said. “Miss America gives me a chance to create a safe space where people of different backgrounds can come together, share their truths, and connect authentically. Once we hear and understand each other, unity can begin.”