After Miss USA Noelia Voigt resigned on Monday just seven months after winning her crown, Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava also resigned, saying Wednesday that her personal values “no longer fully align with the direction” of the Miss USA Organization.
The 17-year-old former Miss New Jersey Teen USA did not elaborate, but said she will “continue to tirelessly advocate for education and acceptance” through her children's book, “The White Jaguar.” Srivastava said that her work related to the book has always been her “TRUE purpose.”
“While that certainly wasn't how I saw my reign come to an end, I'm excited to continue my advocacy for education and acceptance, start applying to colleges, and share some interesting new projects on That's Fan Behavior with those of you who They plan to stay,” the 11th grader wrote on Instagram, noting that she is a first-generation Mexican Indian. “At the end of the day, I am very fortunate to have had the privilege of this experience, but if this is just a chapter, I know the story of my life will be truly incredible.”
Srivastava's resignation comes in the wake of a report that she and Voigt were bullied by the organization and accusations of “workplace toxicity and bullying” last week by an employee when she resigned. Representatives of the Miss USA Organization did not immediately respond Thursday to The Times' request for comment on Srivastava's resignation or on allegations of labor problems.
Voigt announced his abdication Monday on Instagram, citing mental health concerns for his decision. She is the first title holder in the pageant's 72-year history to voluntarily step down. And in her statement she acknowledged her “dear and beloved Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia.”
“The lifelong friendships and connections I had the opportunity to make along the way while attending different events and competing in state pageants, Miss United States and Miss Universe are invaluable things that I will always be grateful for,” she said, adding that her favorite parts of being Miss America were working with the non-profit organization Smile Train for cleft palates and being a strong advocate for anti-bullying, dating violence awareness and prevention, immigration rights and reforms, and shed light on her roots as the first Venezuelan American woman to win Miss USA.
“Never compromise your physical and mental well-being. “Our health is our wealth,” the 24-year-old captioned the message, which was posted just days after the start of Mental Health Awareness Month. “My journey as Miss USA has been incredibly meaningful, proudly representing Utah and then the United States at Miss Universe (held in November). Unfortunately, I have made the very difficult decision to relinquish the title of Miss USA 2023.”
The former Miss Utah did not go into details about her departure, but added that she hopes to continue inspiring others “to stand strong, prioritize their mental health, advocate for themselves and others using their voice, and never be afraid of what may happen.” ”. The future stops, even if she feels uncertain.”
The Miss USA Organization said Monday that it respects and supports Voigt's decision to step down from her duties.
“The well-being of our champions is a top priority and we understand their need to prioritize themselves at this time,” the organization said in a statement to the Times. “The organization is currently reviewing plans to transition responsibilities to a successor and there will be an announcement soon regarding the crowning of the new Miss USA.”
Last Friday, Miss USA social media manager Claudia Michelle resigned from her position, writing on Instagram that she had worked for the first two months of her tenure without pay and faced “disheartening” problems as social media director for the organization.
“This is a women's empowerment organization and my hope in making this statement is to restore some of the empowerment that these champions lost so deeply in their year,” she wrote.
Michelle said she feels “the way current management talks about their starters is unprofessional and inappropriate” and noted a deterioration in Voigt's mental health and a “lack of respect for Uma and her family.”
“I repudiate toxicity in the workplace and harassment of any kind,” he wrote. “I don't believe in taking sides. I believe in telling the truth. I think Noelia and Uma's mental health and happiness have taken a toll and I can't stay silent about it. I will always defend and support the brand that uplifts and empowers its women. The brand IS the champion. Without them, there is no Miss USA or Miss Teen USA. I believe that their voices and their stories should be heard and not silenced.”
The Miss USA Organization did not immediately respond to The Times' request for comment on Michelle's allegations. In a statement to USA Today, the organization said it was “concerned to hear of false allegations made by a former Miss USA employee.”
“Miss USA is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and supportive environment, and we take these allegations seriously. “In fact, we have prioritized and will continue to prioritize the well-being of everyone involved with Miss USA,” the statement said.
Inside sources told the New York Post that Voigt and Srivastava have been wearing crowns of thorns for months: forced to sign ironclad contracts and forced to smile silently despite “harmful working conditions.” A source who knows Michelle, Voigt and Srivastava told the Post that they decided to resign together, strategically timing their resignations.
“This toxic atmosphere is a serious concern,” a source close to the situation told the outlet. “There is an urgent need for intervention at the leadership level.”
Miss Florida USA Caroline Dixon was among Voigt's vocal supporters this week, calling for Voigt to be released from “the NDA confidentiality clause of her contract” so that she would be “free to speak about her experiences and her time as Miss USA.”
Several other 2023 champions shared the same statement, which Michelle reposted on her Instagram Story on Wednesday with a note of gratitude: “There is strength in numbers and your message of support is loud and clear,” she wrote.
State directors Caroline Dixon and Debbie Miller also showed their support for Voigt and Srivastava on social media, issuing a statement praising the champions.
“We have and will continue to provide you with a safe space full of love, support and endless possibilities,” they wrote in a joint Instagram post. “We love you UmaSofía. You have been the epitome of what a champion should be and you are such a brave young woman. “We are really heartbroken right now.”
