Alexis Smith, recently crowned Miss Kansas, has attracted considerable attention following a poignant onstage interview where she addressed the issue of domestic abuse. Smith, who was officially named Miss Kansas on June 8, has emerged as a beacon of resilience and advocacy after disclosing a deeply personal and harrowing aspect of her past during the pageant.

During her interview, Smith was asked how she planned to use her role as Miss Kansas to drive positive change. Her response was both impactful and heartfelt, focusing on her dedication to addressing unhealthy and abusive relationships. “Matter of fact, some of you out in this audience saw me very emotional, because my abuser is here today,” Smith revealed. “But that's not going to stop me from being Miss Kansas and representing as the next Miss Kansas. Because I, and my community, deserve healthy relationships.”

The revelation that Smith’s alleged abuser was present in the audience added a profound layer of bravery and vulnerability to her statement. She opted not to name her abuser, instead choosing to center her message on advocacy and healing. Her decision to speak out about such a sensitive issue has been widely disseminated across social media platforms, including TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Both Smith and the Miss Kansas organization have shared the video clip, which has deeply resonated with audiences.

The public response has been overwhelmingly supportive. Commenters on Instagram and TikTok have expressed their admiration for Smith’s courage and her choice to use her platform to confront domestic abuse. An Instagram commenter stated, “You just stood up for all women. Thank you. I’m sorry for what you went through. And thank you for speaking up.” Similarly, a TikTok user remarked, “As a survivor, this moved me. Thank you for using your voice. You just gave strength to many you’ll never meet.”

In her Instagram post, Smith highlighted that her decision to speak out was a conscious effort to reclaim her power and pursue her vision for a better world. “I took back my power—not just for myself, but for my dreams and everyone watching and listening,” she 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 elaborated on her personal journey in an interview with NBC affiliate KSN, revealing that her connection to domestic abuse began at a young age. She shared that she has been a bystander, victim, and survivor of domestic violence. “My family, every single woman in my family, was impacted by domestic violence,” she said, reflecting on the extensive reach of abuse within her own life.

As Miss Kansas, Smith has embraced the platform “Respect Reclaimed” to advocate for healthy relationships and to raise awareness about domestic abuse. She expressed her enthusiasm for using her role to share her story with young men and women, with the aim of fostering understanding and support. “I’m incredibly excited to be able to share my story and to work towards creating a positive impact,” Smith said, underscoring her commitment to advocacy and empowerment.

Smith’s emergence as an advocate for domestic abuse survivors highlights her dedication to leveraging her title for significant change. Her openness and bravery in addressing such a personal issue resonate profoundly with many, further establishing her as a powerful voice in the ongoing struggle against domestic violence.