Miss Teen USA 2023 is resigning just days after Miss USA Noelia Voigt.
Uma Sophia Srivastava, who won the 2023 title in September, shared a lengthy statement on Wednesday announcing her departure because her “personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.”
“After months of struggling with the decision, I have chosen to resign the title of Miss Teen USA 2023. I am grateful for all the support from my family, my state directors, my sister queens, and the cheering fans since. Since I won my state title, I will always remember my time as Miss NJ Teen USA and representing my state at the national level as a first-generation, Mexican-Indian The experience of doing it was satisfying in itself.”
In a statement shared with USA TODAY on Wednesday, Miss USA CEO and President Laila Rose said, “Our overarching goal at Miss USA is to celebrate and empower women. Our contestants are real leaders in this country and around the world. Bring about change.”
Rose’s statement continued, “My personal goal as the head of this organization has always been to inspire women to create new dreams, have the courage to explore everything, and maintain integrity along the way. I hold myself to these I keep it.” The same high standards and I take these allegations seriously, please be assured that the well-being of everyone associated with Miss USA is my top priority.”
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In his resignation statement, Srivastava vowed to continue his philanthropy with The Lotus Peddle Foundation and Bridge of Books Foundation after completing his junior year of high school.
“While this was definitely not how I saw my reign ending, I’m looking forward to continuing my advocacy for education and acceptance, starting to apply to colleges, and working on some exciting new projects with those of you on That’s Fan Behavior. Excited to share with those who plan to stick around,” she captioned the post, referring to her blog.
Srivastava said, “Ultimately, I am very fortunate to have had this experience, but if this is just a chapter, I know the story of my life will be truly incredible.”
Former Miss USA Voigt commented, “I love you! So proud of you my angel.”
Miss USA Noelia VoigtTook the ‘difficult decision’ to step down. Read his full statement.
Miss USA Noelia Voigt resigns due to her ‘mental health’, leaving fans speculating
Voigt, who was awarded Miss USA in September 2023, announced her resignation in a statement on Instagram on Monday. “In life, I strongly value the importance of making decisions that feel best for you and your mental health,” the former title holder wrote.
Her decision to give up the Miss USA crown has sparked a flurry of speculation online after fans noticed a strange detail about her statement.
In the comments of his post and elsewhere on social media, users added the first letter to each sentence of his statement to reveal the phrase “I am silent” – though it removed the last three sentences, whose first letter “HIP” is written. ” It was not immediately clear whether the message was intentional or not.
Miss USA Shift:Was there a hidden message in Noelia Voigt’s resignation statement?
Miss USA previously said in a statement to USA TODAY, “We respect and support former Miss USA Noelia Voigt’s decision to step down from her duties. The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority, and we understand that they “You need to make yourself a priority.” This time.”
“The organization is currently reviewing plans to transfer responsibilities to a successor and an announcement regarding the crowning of the new Miss USA is expected soon,” the statement said.
Before Voigt’s announcement, Miss USA social media director Claudia Mitchell shared on Instagram on Friday that she had resigned from her role. In a statement posted on social media, he wrote, “I have had the privilege of working closely with Noelia and unfortunately I have watched her mental health decline since we (first) met. I feel That she has the ability to share her story.” And his platform has been shortened.”
He further wrote, “I find the way the current management speaks about its titleholders to be unprofessional and inappropriate.” “I reject toxicity and bullying of any kind in the workplace.”
In an Instagram story, Michelle shared Voigt’s statement and highlighted the “I am silent” letters.
Miss USA Organization denies allegations of toxic environment
In response to Michelle’s post, the Miss USA Organization said in a statement to USA TODAY, “We are troubled to hear of the false allegations made by a former Miss USA employee. Miss USA strives to foster a safe, inclusive and supportive environment. committed to.” And we take these allegations seriously. “In fact, we continue to prioritize the well-being of everyone associated with Miss USA.”
In the caption of her original Instagram post, Voigt acknowledged that her resignation “may be a huge blow to many people,” but added, “Never compromise your physical and mental well-being.”
Contributing: Brendan Morrow and Erin Jensen, USA Today
