Miss USA & Miss Teen USA Titleholders Abruptly Resign Citing Mental Health & Values Conflict With Organization

On Thursday, Miss Hawaii USA and 2023 first runner-up Savannah Gankiewicz was announced as the new Miss USA by the pageant’s Instagram page.

The Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants were thrown into disarray this week as reigning titleholders, Noelia Voigt and UmaSofia Srivastava, both announced their resignations on Monday. In separate Instagram posts, Voigt and Srivastava cited mental health concerns and a misalignment of personal values with the parent organization as the reasons behind their decisions.

Voigt became the first Venezuelan American woman to win the Miss USA title in September 2023. The 24-year-old, who had been scheduled to compete in the future Miss Universe pageant, stated that making decisions that align with one’s well-being is crucial. She conveyed her hope to inspire others to advocate for themselves, prioritize mental health and fearlessly embrace the future.

Voigt’s resignation post drew attention from internet sleuths who speculated a hidden message within her statement. They discovered that the first letters of the first 11 sentences spelled out “I AM SILENCED,” a potential hint at deeper issues around her departure. 

The departure of the Miss USA titleholder prompted several fellow contestants from Voigt’s class to show support. Derby Chukwudi, Miss New Jersey 2023, issued a statement on Instagram that backed Voigt’s decision and emphasized the importance of mental health. Chukwudi also called for transparency and the release of Voigt from any confidentiality agreements.

Similarly, Srivastava, the first Miss Teen USA of mixed Mexican and Indian descent, resigned at 17. Srivastava expressed gratitude for those who supported her true self and criticized the Miss Teen USA organization, indicating that her values no longer aligned with its direction. She pledged to continue her advocacy work with the Lotus Petal Foundation and the Bridge of Books Foundation.

Voigt and Srivastava’s simultaneous resignations marked a significant moment in the pageants’ history, as for the first time in 72 years, there was no Miss USA or Miss Teen USA titleholder.

In addition, Claudia Michelle, the former social media director, also resigned and publicly voiced her dissatisfaction with the working conditions. Michelle wrote, “I feel the way current management speaks about their titleholders is unprofessional and inappropriate. I disavow workplace toxicity and bullying of any kind.”

Michelle continued, “I believe Noeila and Uma’s mental health and happiness has taken a toll, and I cannot remain silent about that.”

The Miss USA pageant organizers released a statement acknowledging and respecting Voigt’s decision. They assured the public that a successor would be appointed to take over the transition responsibilities but did not provide further details. Similarly, Miss Teen USA expressed support for Srivastava’s decision and announced plans to crown a new titleholder soon.

The pageants have faced previous controversies, such as allegations of rigged competitions and sexual harassment within the organization. Miss USA President Crystle Stewart’s resignation in 2023 and her husband’s subsequent departure, Max Sebrechts, further contributed to the troubled history.

In 2022, a court ruled that Miss USA could limit contestants to “natural-born females.”