Who is Cassie Donegan? 98th Miss America winner claps back after her pageant makeup is critiqued

Cassie Donegan is the latest name in a long line of esteemed Miss America winners, donning the title for 2026. She was named the winner of the pageant on September 7, taking the crown and besting 52 delegates from around the country in the process. Unfortunately, in the wake of her win, several users took to social media to critique Cassie’s makeup and choice of glam.

This response could have been debilitating for Cassie Donegan, coming off the heels of her biggest ever accomplishment, but it seems as though the pageant queen is remaining level-headed through it all. She spoke with PEOPLE directly regarding how she has managed to navigate all the outside noise.

"Often you do have to just pick and choose what you allow yourself to digest. 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."

Cassie Donegan continued,

"I'm just a normal person. No, I don't want to hear people ever say anything negative, especially about my appearance. 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."

In true Miss America fashion, Donegan was able to remain diplomatic about her feelings,

"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."

Cassie Donnegan Miss America backlash

Interestingly, the statements Cassie Donegan shared with PEOPLE echo a response she gave as a contestant days earlier. During a rapid-fire Q&A portion of the pageant Donegan discussed self expression,

"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. 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 continued,

"I, myself, walk around in what my siblings love to call 'grandma chic,' and I think that's great."

Cassie Donegan seems relatively unfazed by the chatter online in response to her incredible win, a remarkable feat in today's world. If she is feeling down, she admits that her family and her puppies surely have her back.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback