The newly crowned Miss America 2026 has hit back after some viewers decided to send her hate about her looks.
Cassie Donegan has officially been crowned Miss America 2026, with the 28-year-old representing New York, per the Daily Mail.
On September 7, 2025, she took center stage at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Florida, where she competed against 52 other contestants from all 50 states.
In a lovely moment, last year’s Miss America, Abbie Stockard from Alabama, passed on the crown, sash, and prestigious title to Donegan.
The win also comes with a generous $50,000 tuition scholarship, which will go toward her future endeavors.
Not only did she claim the crown, but Donegan also earned an additional $3,000 prize after excelling in the Miss America 2026 Talent Competition, where her vocal performance earned rave reviews.
Fans Celebrate Cassie Donegan's Win
Celebrating her success, Donegan was showered with love from fans, especially from her closest friends, whose emotional reactions to her victory went viral on TikTok.
While the support from her loved ones and fans has been overwhelming, the pageant queen has also faced some criticism, particularly surrounding her glam choices for the national competition, including her makeup for the final round.
Despite the negative comments, Donegan is no stranger to the challenges that come with being in the public eye. She understands that criticism is part of the deal but has found a way to handle it with grace and resilience.
Cassie Donegan on Handling Criticism
In an interview with PEOPLE, Donegan opened up about how she manages negativity, especially in the face of public scrutiny.
"Often you do have to just pick and choose what you allow yourself to digest," she explained.
"I think that's something that's been a really useful tool, really leaning into those who are lifting me up, loving me, and holding me high, and choosing to focus on the positivity that's happening in the moment."
She also acknowledged that, despite the title and attention, she is still a person who experiences the same vulnerabilities as anyone else.
"I'm just a normal person. No, I don't want to hear people ever say anything negative, especially about my appearance," she said.
"But I also respect that the internet is a public space and that people have the right to their opinion to be able to share that, and no one's going to be everyone's favorite all of the time."
A Message from Miss America
Throughout her journey to the crown, Donegan has consistently emphasized the importance of staying true to herself.
This theme was especially evident during the final rounds of the competition when each contestant answered a rapid-fire question on stage. Donegan was asked about "authentic self-expressions" and how they relate to "professional standards."
Her response resonated deeply with the audience: "I believe that being true to yourself 100 percent is the most important thing that you can do, and if that includes your self-expression through piercings or tattoos, then 100 percent do it," she stated confidently.
"I think that no one has the right to tell you what you can do with your own body. This is your vessel, and you should be able to walk around proudly in it."
Donegan also shared a bit about her own unique sense of style: "I, myself, walk around in what my siblings love to call 'grandma chic,' and I think that's great," she said.
For Donegan, the true reward of being crowned Miss America goes beyond the sash and crown.
She believes that her role is to make a difference in the lives of others, no matter how big or small.
"I'm just going to do my best to love everyone and care about everyone, because at the end of the day, 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 said.