Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava resigns days after Miss USA Noelia Voigt resigned

Miss Teen USA 2023 resigns just days after Miss USA Noelia Voigt.

UmaSofia Srivastava, who won the 2023 title in September, shared a lengthy statement Wednesday announcing her departure because her “personal values ​​no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.”

“After months of reflection on this decision, I have made the choice 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 fans who have been cheering for me since I won my state title,” Srivastava wrote. “I will always look back fondly on my time as Miss NJ Teen USA, and the experience of representing my state as the first generation of Mexican Americans on a national level was rewarding in itself.”

In a statement shared with USA TODAY on Wednesday, Miss USA CEO and President Laylah Rose said, “Our overall goal at Miss USA is to celebrate and empower women. Our contestants are making a real difference in this country and in the whole world.”

Rose's statement continued: “My personal goal as leader of this organization has always been to inspire women to always create new dreams, to have the courage to explore everything, and to continue to maintain their integrity throughout. along the way. 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.

In her resignation statement, Srivastava pledged to continue her philanthropy with the Lotus Pedal Foundation and the Bridge of Books Foundation as she finishes her junior year of high school.

“While this is certainly not how I saw my reign ending, I am excited to continue my advocacy for education and acceptance, begin applying to colleges, and share exciting new projects on That's Fan Behavior with those of you considering it stick around,” she captioned the post, referencing her blog.

Srivastava added, “Ultimately, I'm so lucky to have had the privilege of having this experience, but if this is just one chapter, I know my life story will be truly incredible.”

“I love you! I'm so proud of you, my angel,” commented former Miss USA Voigt.

Miss United States Noelia Voigt makes the “difficult decision” to resign. Read his full statement.

Miss USA Noelia Voigt resigned over her 'mental health,' sparking fan theories

On Monday, Voigt, who was elected Miss USA in September 2023, announced her resignation in a statement on Instagram. The former titleholder wrote: “In life, I place great importance on making the decisions that are best for you and your mental health.”

Her decision to give up her Miss USA crown sparked a wave of online speculation after fans noticed a strange detail in her statement.

In the comments to his post and elsewhere on social media, users pieced together the first letter of each sentence in his statement to reveal the phrase “I AM SILENCED” – although this does not take into account the last three sentences, of which the first letters form “HIP”. “It was not immediately clear whether the message was intentional.

Miss USA changes: Did Noelia Voigt's resignation statement contain a hidden message?

Miss USA previously said in a statement to USA TODAY: “We respect and support former Miss USA Noelia Voigt's decision to resign from her position. The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority, and we understand that she needs to put herself first this time.”

The statement added: “The organization is currently reviewing plans for the transfer of responsibilities to a successor and an announcement regarding the crowning of the new Miss USA will be available soon.”

Prior to Voigt's announcement, Miss USA social media director Claudia Michelle announced on Instagram Friday that she had resigned from her role. In a statement posted on social media, she wrote: “I have had the privilege of working closely with Noelia and have unfortunately seen a decline in her mental health since our (first) meeting. I have The impression that his ability to share his story and his platform has been diminished.

“I think the way the current management talks about their titleholders is unprofessional and inappropriate,” she continued. “I disavow workplace toxicity and bullying of any kind.”

In an Instagram story, Michelle shared Voigt's statement and highlighted the letters “I AM SILENCED.”

Miss USA Organization denies toxic environment accusations

In response to Michelle's post, the Miss USA Organization said in a statement to USA TODAY: “We are troubled to hear the false accusations 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, we have and will continue to prioritize the well-being of everyone involved with Miss USA. »

In the caption of his original Instagram post, Voigt acknowledged that his resignation “may come as a big shock to many,” but added, “Never compromise your physical and mental well-being.”

Contributors: Brendan Morrow and Erin Jensen, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava resigns due to 'personal values'