Amid a series of recent resignations and allegations within the Miss USA organization, Savannah Gankiewicz, originally the first runner-up at the 2023 Miss USA pageant representing Hawaii, has assumed the title of Miss USA.
Gankiewicz, 28, was crowned by Governor Josh Green at a ceremony in Honolulu, expressing her commitment to making a positive impact through her role.
Her ascension follows the resignation of Noelia Voigt, the former Miss USA, who cited mental health concerns and criticized CEO Laylah Rose for fostering a culture of fear and control within the organization.
Voigt’s resignation letter, obtained by CNN, detailed instances of inadequate support and alleged harassment during public events.
In response to the controversy, Laylah Rose, the CEO, welcomed Gankiewicz into the Miss USA family without directly addressing the allegations.
The upcoming Miss Teen USA and Miss USA pageants are slated to be held in Los Angeles and broadcast on the CW network, despite recent scrutiny of the organization’s practices.
The turmoil within the Miss USA organization has prompted further resignations and calls for reform.
Stephanie Skinner, the first runner-up from 2023, declined to accept the crown, and other state titleholders have voiced concerns over the treatment of contestants.
Gankiewicz, aware of the limited duration of her title, intends to focus on community initiatives during her tenure, including supporting future contestants and promoting positive change within the organization.
Meanwhile, former Miss Colorado USA, Arianna Lemus, resigned citing compromised values and concerns about silencing women in pageantry.
These developments have sparked discussions about contract transparency and contestant safety within the pageant community.
