Cassie Donegan, the newly crowned Miss America for 2026, is taking a stand against body shaming in a powerful response to negative comments made about her appearance. In an Instagram post, Donegan shared a message that encourages others to be mindful of how their remarks regarding someone’s body can affect not only the individual being targeted but also those around them.
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The 28-year-old pageant titleholder reposted this significant message on her Instagram Stories on July 15, following her recent performance of “God Bless America” at the MLB All-Star Game held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on July 14. The poignant statement prompted her followers to reflect on the repercussions of their words, stating, “Did you ever consider, your comment about another person’s body is also hitting everyone else in the room. Everyone.”
Donegan recently achieved remarkable success after being crowned Miss America on September 7, 2025, shortly after winning the New York state title in July. Alongside her title, she was awarded a $50,000 tuition scholarship, along with an additional $3,000 prize for her vocal performance during the competition. While many celebrated her achievement, some critics were quick to scrutinise her glamourous choices, particularly targeting her makeup during the final event.
In an interview with PEOPLE shortly after the pageant, Donegan acknowledged the tendency for negativity to surface, particularly towards individuals with public platforms like herself. However, she asserted the importance of not allowing such negativity to define one’s self-worth. “Often, you do have to just pick and choose what you allow yourself to digest,” she stated, advocating for a focus on supportive and uplifting relationships.
Donegan also reflected on her own vulnerabilities, highlighting that she is, at heart, a regular person. “I don’t want to hear people ever say anything negative, especially about my appearance,” she admitted. Nonetheless, she expressed understanding that the online world is a public platform where opinions are freely voiced, noting, “No one’s going to be everyone’s favourite all of the time.”
Expressing her unwavering commitment to positivity, she continued, “I’m just going to do my best to love everyone and care about everyone.” For her, the ultimate goal of her role as Miss America is to make a positive impact on at least one individual’s life. “If even just one person has felt touched in some way or seen or loved through me as Miss America, then I’ve done my job. And that’s the most important thing,” she concluded.
This advocacy against body shaming highlights a growing movement within the pageant world to shift the narrative surrounding body image and self-acceptance. As Miss America, Donegan has taken an influential position that allows her to challenge societal norms and promote a culture of kindness and support.
Donegan’s heartfelt message resonates throughout her online community, serving as both a reminder of the effects of body shaming and an encouragement for others to uplift one another. Her approach not only aims to mitigate the harmful impacts of bullying related to appearance, but also fosters a sense of unity and understanding among her followers.
As Miss America, Donegan’s roles extend beyond merely promoting beauty; they embody a commitment to instilling resilience and positivity in a world often engulfed by criticism and harsh judgments. In doing so, she hopes to pave the way for future generations to feel empowered and confident, regardless of societal expectations regarding beauty.
With such a significant platform, Donegan’s influence may help inspire individuals to embrace their uniqueness and foster a more accepting environment within their communities. Her proactive stance against body shaming stands as a beacon of hope for many, urging them to rise above negativity and celebrate self-acceptance and love.