Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava and Miss USA Noelia Voigt both stepped down this week.
UmaSofia Srivastava resigned from Miss Teen USA on Wednesday, following Noelia Voigt’s resignation from Miss USA just two days earlier.
In her Instagram statement, Srivastava explained that her personal values no longer fully aligned with the organization’s direction. She had been grappling with this decision for months and expressed her commitment to advocacy for education and acceptance.
Voigt, on the other hand, cited mental health reasons for her departure, emphasizing the importance of making decisions that prioritize well-being.
The resignations leave Miss USA without titleholders for the first time in its 72-year history. The organization is currently reviewing plans for the transition of responsibilities.
These departures came shortly after Claudia Michelle, the social media director for Miss USA, resigned, citing concerns over the organization’s treatment of Srivastava and Voigt.
Michelle emphasized the importance of supporting and empowering titleholders.
Both Srivastava and Voigt made significant contributions during their pageant careers, with Srivastava being the first Mexican Indian contestant to win Miss New Jersey Teen USA and Voigt being the first Venezuelan American to win Miss USA.
The organization has faced challenges in recent years, including allegations of rigging in the 2022 Miss USA pageant and accusations of sexual harassment against former vice president Max Sebrechts during the 2021 pageant.
