Maude Gorman may no longer be competing for the title of Miss Massachusetts — but she’s already won our hearts!
The beauty queen — and badass CrossFit athlete — resigned her title as Miss Plymouth County last week after an offensive sketch mocked the #MeToo Movement.
Apparently while Miss America at large is leaving the swimsuit competition behind, many local pageants leading up to it are reluctant to drop the portion.
Related: Todd Chrisley To Be Named Miss California USA Director — With A Whole Reality Show About It!
In a skit during the final competition of Miss Massachusetts, a contestant praying to God says she can’t understand why swimsuits had to go, and God responds “Me Too” — to boisterous applause.
See the ugh moment for yourself (below):
But Maude Gorman was not clapping.
She told CNN it was at that moment backstage that she decided she no longer wanted to be a part of the organization:
“I instantly knew I had to do something. It was going to eat away at me if I didn’t… we were all shocked. We said, ‘Oh my god. I cannot believe that just happened. Did that just really happen?’
I wasn’t comfortable staying as Miss Plymouth County. It went against everything I have worked hard for. I was Miss Massachusetts World in 2015. I saw myself as a leader in the community and made appearances to speak out about sexual assault and tell my story.”
Maude was gang raped at only 13 years old. She remained silent about the incident for three years, developing PTSD. She now bravely shares her story to help others who are suffering in silence.
That’s why, as she said in her post announcing her resignation that she could not just “let it go”:
“Instead, I will stand up for every individual who has ever had the courage to speak out; and for every person who felt liberated by the #metoo movement. I will not allow ANYONE to take away that empowerment and liberation, or make it anything less than what it is: AMAZING.”
See her entire, inspiring message on Instagram (below):
Amazing.
And just on Sunday, when her story was getting more national coverage, she shared even more about the work more important to her than any crown:
Miss Massachusetts organization apologized for offending on its Facebook page immediately after the event.
But that doesn’t erase the sound of an auditorium collectively scoffing at women being brave in the face of sexual assault.
Maude told CNN she’s happy to focus on athletics and advocacy:
“I am done with pageants. I don’t see myself competing again. I am happy with leaving the pageant world behind me.”
Good for you, gurl!
If you want consistent inspiration from Maude, we highly recommend following her on IG HERE!
[Image via Instagram.]