Cassie Donegan, 27, the newly crowned Miss America 2026, drew online criticism after a backstage video posted to the official Miss America account showed her wearing makeup that some viewers said did not match her skin tone.
The brief clip, shared on TikTok after the pageant, shows Donegan approaching an elevator in a white open-back gown with a high slit and a sparkling bodice. The video then cuts to footage filmed after the competition, with Donegan emerging from the elevator wearing a different outfit, a sash, crown and holding a large bouquet of red roses as she smiled and posed for the camera.
Viewers who reacted to the post criticized what they described as a concealer shade that was "too white" and said the makeup "drowns her out." Comments included, "Congrats love! Let's get you a new makeup artist," and "Who did her makeup?" Other users defended Donegan, saying lighting in the clip likely altered the appearance and that the makeup "did not look bad." The post drew both direct complaints and defenses as social-media users weighed in on the short clip.
Donegan won the crown after taking the New York state title in July and emerged from a weekend competition that featured more than 50 contestants. She beat contestants representing all 50 states, with Miss Texas Sadie Schiermeyer named first runner-up and Miss Florida Paris Richardson second runner-up. The outgoing Miss America, Abbie Stockard of Alabama, crowned Donegan at the event.
As part of her prize package, Donegan received a $50,000 tuition scholarship. She is a singer and actor and was recognized for her vocal performance in the Miss America 2026 Talent Competition.
During the pageant's rapid-answer portion, Donegan spoke about the importance of authenticity in professional settings, saying she supports "authentic self-expressions" and that "being true to yourself 100 percent is the most important thing that you can do," including choices about piercings or tattoos. In a press release after her win, she said Miss America "has always been a powerful springboard for ambitious women to turn their dreams into reality" and that she was "honored to represent an organization that provides scholarships, resources, and a platform for women to lead."
The social-media reaction to the clip highlights how coronation moments are often scrutinized in real time. While some users focused on the makeup in the footage, others emphasized Donegan's statements about self-expression and the scholarship and opportunities the title affords.