Newly crowned Miss America , New York local Cassie Donegan, has responded to negative comments about her appearance after her emotional reaction to her win went viral.

Donegan, 28, shared her joy in a TikTok video, explaining she was "still trying to process that actually just happened".

"I'm just so thankful to be here, so thankful of the people who supported me to be here, and so very proud to be from the state of New York and I hope that I have made them all really proud this week," she said.

While majority of the comments on the TikTok video praised Donegan for her win, some took a nasty turn, criticising her appearance.

"How is she miss America," one commented.

"Isn't this a beauty contest," added another.

"Make up artist needs a credential check," one commented.

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