Miss USA Savannah Gankiewicz has reported receiving death threats and hateful messages since assuming the title following Noelia Voigt’s unexpected resignation and accusations against the pageant’s CEO.
In a heartfelt speech, Gankiewicz, 28, expressed her distress over the backlash, stating, “Since I’ve gotten this title, I’ve dealt with a lot of bullying and harassment, and it really does, it breaks my heart,” in a video posted on X last week.
Through tears, she continued, “I wish people saw where my heart is coming from. It’s about helping Lahaina and Maui residents and having a platform, but also showing young women that you can get bullied and hurt but still stand back up, keep going, and use your voice.”
Gankiewicz was crowned Miss USA 2023 in Waikiki earlier this month, succeeding Voigt who resigned on May 6. Voigt, 24, cited a need to focus on her mental health in an Instagram statement but later accused the pageant’s CEO of fostering a toxic work environment and ignoring a sexual harassment incident in a resignation letter obtained by NBC News.
Voigt’s letter described the Miss USA organization as having a toxic environment, characterized by poor management and harassment, beginning soon after she won the title.
She accused CEO Laylah Rose of poor communication, disparaging her, and threatening to withhold her salary for undisclosed reasons.
Voigt also mentioned that Rose dismissed her complaint about inappropriate comments made to her, saying it was part of her role as a public figure.
Rose responded, emphasizing the seriousness with which she takes such allegations and prioritizing the well-being of everyone involved with Miss USA.
In the wake of Voigt’s resignation, Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava and the pageant’s social media manager Claudia Michelle also resigned.
Gankiewicz, after accepting the crown, expressed empathy for the former titleholders and stated she felt her new role was the best decision for her community and state.
She will hold the title until August, when a new Miss USA is chosen.
