On April 6, a photo collage was shared in the Facebook group “საქართველოს ისტორია – History of Georgia,” showcasing winners of a beauty pageant titled “Miss Alabama.” According to the post’s author, the overweight woman in the first photo won the title in 2024 during Biden’s administration, while the woman in the second photo won in 2025 under Trump’s administration, during the rule of conservatives and traditionalists.
The same photo collage was also shared by Russian-speaking Facebook users on January 13 (1;2).
The photo collage of “Miss Alabama” titleholders is being circulated on social media out of context. In reality, Sarah Milliken and Abbie Stockard participated in different competitions in 2024. The beauty pageant National American Miss, in which the overweight woman competed, selects winners based on different criteria, prioritizing factors beyond appearance.
The 23-year-old Sarah Milliken competed three times in the National American Miss beauty pageant. In 2024, she won and received the Miss Alabama title. However, her victory sparked mixed reactions from the public. Some criticized the decision and accused the competition of promoting an “unhealthy lifestyle.” Milliken herself responded to the criticism:
“The things that have been said about me are truly disgusting, and I cannot fathom how people think it’s ok to say these things. The easy thing would be to give up. I could hide my face. Stop posting on social media. Make no appearances. Stay low-key until Nationals. I could even give in and give up my title. But instead I say, WATCH ME.”
The second woman depicted in the out-of-context photo collage circulating on social media participated in a different beauty pageant in the same year. Abbie Stockard won her title in 2024; however, unlike Milliken, she competed in a different contest (Miss America) and received the title of Miss Alabama. In 2025, she became Miss America. Stockard is the fourth woman from Alabama to win this title.
Therefore, contrary to the claims of the post’s author, the photo collage actually depicts women who won different beauty pageants in the same year. Moreover, the criteria for these competitions vary.
In reality, National American Miss prioritizes contestants’ communication skills and confidence over their physical appearance. While there are optional categories, contestants must be judged on criteria such as formal wear, personal introduction, interviews, and community service (such as charity work, etc.) to win the competition.
Following the criticism of Milliken, the fact-checking organization Snopes explained the different beauty pageants in the U.S. and their selection criteria. Miss America, where Stockard won, includes a private interview, an evening gown presentation, a panel interview with judges, an on-stage Q&A, a talent show, and a physical fitness presentation. Another beauty pageant, which uniquely sends its winner to compete in Miss Universe, is Miss USA. This competition includes swimsuit and activewear contests to allow judges to assess contestants’ silhouettes. It also features a private interview, an evening gown presentation, and an on-stage Q&A. In 2024, the title of Miss Alabama USA was awarded to Diane Westhoven.
About the Source
Among those who shared the misleading photo collage of Miss Alabama is a Russian-speaking Facebook user, Katarina Lasonen, who regularly posts anti-Ukrainian and anti-Russian content. Fact-checking organizations have flagged some of the information she has shared as false.
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