Benjamin Jones
Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava gave up her crown on Wednesday, just two days later Miss USA resigned.
Srivastava said he fought the decision for months and chose to resign because his “personal values are no longer fully aligned with the direction of the organization.” She did not specify which values were not aligned.
“Ultimately, I am very lucky to have had the privilege of this experience, but if this is just one chapter, I know the story of my life will be truly incredible.” Srivastava he wrote.
Miss USA Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA 2023, stepped down on Monday. She posted a message on social media asking people to prioritize their mental health.
“Deep down, I know this is just the beginning of a new chapter for me, and my hope is to continue to inspire others to stand tall, prioritize their mental health, advocate for themselves and others using their voice, and never be afraid of what the future holds, even if it seems uncertain,” said Voigt.
Miss USA on Monday thanked Voight for his service and wished him the best.
“We respect and support Noelia’s decision to step down from her role,” the Miss USA Organization said in a Facebook post. “The well-being of our members is a top priority and we understand the need to prioritize it at this time.”
Chance Yeh/Getty Images for Supermodels Unlimited
Voigt commented on Srivastava’s announcement on Wednesday.
“I LOVE YOU! I’m so proud of you my angel,” Voigt wrote.
Srivastava was crowned in September last year. The organization said she was the first Mexican-Indian Miss New Jersey Teen USA. In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Miss Teen USA wished Srivastava the best and thanked her for her service in the role.
“We respect and support UmaSofia’s decision to resign from its functions”, Miss Teen USA he said. “The well-being of our incumbents is a top priority.”
Officials are reviewing plans to transition the responsibilities of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA to a successor. A new Miss USA and Miss Teen USA will be crowned soon.
Miss USA and Miss Teen USA’s firings come just days after Friday’s firing of Miss USA’s social media director Claudia Michelle. She shared her decision to resign on Friday, saying, “I don’t believe in taking sides, I believe in telling the truth.”
“I feel that the way the current administration talks about its incumbents is unprofessional and inappropriate; I reject workplace toxicity and bullying of any kind,” she wrote.
The Miss USA Organization said USA TODAY was concerned about the “false accusations”.
“Miss USA is committed to promoting a safe, inclusive and supportive environment, and we take these allegations seriously,” the organization told USA Today. “Indeed, we have prioritized and will continue to prioritize the well-being of all individuals involved with Miss USA.”
