'Plus-Sized' Ridgewood Woman Eliminated From Miss New Jersey USA Contest

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Messalina Morley did not make it to the semi-finals of the Miss New Jersey USA contest, but that is okay with her.

Morley is a size 8-10 and entered the contest to show plus-size girls they are beautiful just the way they are.

Morley did not get through to the semifinals or place.

RELATED: 'Plus-Sized' Ridgewood Woman To Compete In Miss New Jersey USA Contest

"I found that it was the much slimmer girls who got through," said Morley, who noted she was "concerned" by the amount of negativity the girls spoke about their bodies.

"They commented that they couldn't eat cookies because of their diets," Morley said. "A few also mentioned how nervous and unsure they were about the swimwear section because of their bodies and they were smaller and more toned than me."

Morley, a budding actress, did not enter the contest or glory or fame. She entered it to send a message to other girls.

"I tried my best to share the body-positive message with them all and remind them that they are beautiful just the way they are," Morley said.

Change is coming the pageant world for plus-sized women, Morley said, but it is coming slowly. There was no specific measurement requirements for the Miss New Jersey USA contest.

"I hope the message I have shared will resonate with young women and help them to feel beautiful and confident to pursue their dreams in the future," Morley said.

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Photo: Messalina Morley at the Miss Jersey USA pageant./Courtesy of Messalina Morley