Miss USA 2023 resigned a few days after Miss USA Noelia Voigt resigned.
Uma Sophia SrivastavaShe, who was named to the 2023 title in September, published a lengthy statement on Wednesday announcing her departure due to “Personal values are no longer fully compatible Under the guidance of the organization.”
“After months of struggling with the decision, I have made the decision to resign as Miss Teen USA 2023. I am grateful for all the support from my family, my state directors, my sister Queens, and the fans who cheered me on since I won my state title,” Srivastava wrote. “I will remember.” “My time as Miss New Jersey USA will always be cherished, and the experience of representing my state as a first generation Mexican Indian American at the national level was fulfilling in itself.”
USA TODAY has reached out to representatives of the Miss USA organization for comment.
The beauty pageant contestant has pledged to continue her charitable work with the Lotus Pedal Foundation and Bridge of Books Foundation as she completes her freshman year of high school.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Game.
“While this is certainly not how I see my reign coming to an end, I am excited to continue my advocacy for education and admissions, start applying to colleges, and share some exciting new projects around ‘This is Fan Behavior’ with those of you who are planning to “Stay around,” she captioned the post, referring to Her blog.
“At the end of the day, I’m very lucky to have had the privilege of having this experience, but if this is just a chapter, I know my life story will be truly amazing,” Srivastava added.
“I love you! So proud of you, my angel,” former Miss USA Voigt commented.
Miss USA Noelia VoigtHe makes a “difficult decision” to step down. Read her full statement.
Miss USA Noelia Voigt quits due to her ‘mental health’, leading to fan theories
Voigt, who won Miss USA for September 2023, was crowned on Monday. She announced her resignation in a statement On Instagram.
“In life, I deeply value the importance of making decisions that feel best for you and your mental health,” the former titleholder wrote.
Her decision to give up her Miss USA title sparked a wave of speculation online after fans noticed strange details about her statement.
In the comments on her post and elsewhere on social media, users stacked the first letter in each sentence of her statement to reveal the phrase “I am silent” — although this excludes the last three sentences, the first letters of which spell “HIP.” It was not immediately clear whether the message was intended.
Miss USA transformations:Does Noelia Voigt’s resignation statement contain a hidden message?
“We respect and support former Miss USA Noelia Voigt’s decision to step down from her duties,” the former Miss USA said in a statement to USA TODAY. “The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority, and we understand her need to prioritize herself at this time.” “
The statement added: “The organization is currently reviewing plans to transfer responsibilities to a successor, and the crowning of the new Miss USA will be announced soon.”
Prior to Voigt’s announcement, Miss USA’s social media director, Claudia Michele Shared on Instagram On Friday, she resigned from her position. “I have had the privilege of working closely with Noelia and have unfortunately witnessed the deterioration of her mental health since we (first) met. I feel her ability to share her story and her platform has diminished,” she wrote in a statement posted on social media.
She went on to write: “I feel that the way the current administration speaks about their title holders is unprofessional and inappropriate.” “I disavow workplace toxicity and bullying of any kind.”
In an Instagram Story, Michelle shared Voigt’s statement and highlighted the “I’m silent” messages.
The Miss USA organization denies accusations of a toxic environment
In response to Michelle’s post, the Miss USA organization said in a statement to USA TODAY: “We are disturbed to hear of the false accusations made by a former Miss USA employee. Miss USA is committed to promoting a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment, and we take these The allegations are taken seriously, in fact, we have and will continue to prioritize the well-being of all individuals participating in the Miss USA pageant.
Commenting on her original Instagram post, Voigt acknowledged that her resignation “may come as a huge shock to many”, but added: “Never compromise on your physical and mental health.”
Contributing: Brendan Morrow, Erin Jensen, USA Today
. “Professional creator. Lifelong thinker. Reader. Beer buff. Troublemaker. Evil problem solver.”