In a shocking turn of events, both Miss USA and Miss Teen USA recently stepped down from their titles within a span of two days. Noelia Voigt, Miss USA, cited her mental health as the reason for her decision, stating that she values making decisions that are best for her well-being. She also mentioned experiencing a toxic work environment within the Miss USA organization since winning her crown in 2023. Similarly, Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava resigned, explaining that her personal values no longer aligned with the direction of the organization.
Voigt’s resignation letter revealed details of a toxic work environment within the Miss USA organization, with allegations of poor management, bullying, and harassment. She pointed out various instances of mistreatment, including an incident of sexual harassment that was not taken seriously by organization CEO Laylah Rose. Voigt was ultimately diagnosed with anxiety and experienced physical and mental health issues as a result of her experiences within the organization. Srivastava’s resignation, though later, was also a result of her struggle with aligning her values with the direction of the organization.
The mothers of Voigt and Srivastava spoke out on Good Morning America, shedding light on the mistreatment their daughters faced within the organization. They highlighted instances of abuse, bullying, and harassment that led to their daughters feeling cornered and ill-treated. Voigt’s mother, Jackeline, shared details of a specific incident where a man made inappropriate comments to her daughter, causing her significant distress. They emphasized that the job of their dreams turned out to be a nightmare due to the mistreatment they endured.
The Miss USA Organization has not directly addressed the specific allegations made by Voigt and Srivastava, but has released statements emphasizing their commitment to fostering a healthy and supportive environment for all involved. CEO Laylah Rose expressed her dedication to the well-being of individuals associated with Miss USA and stated that she takes the allegations seriously. The organization also thanked both Noelia and UmaSofia for their time as titleholders and wished them the best in their future endeavors.
Both Noelia Voigt and UmaSofia Srivastava received overwhelming support from the celebrity world, with former Miss USA Nia Sanchez and Big Brother winner Taylor Hale among those offering their encouragement. The pageant community also rallied behind Voigt and Srivastava, with fellow titleholders expressing their love and support for the two women. While the circumstances surrounding their resignations are unfortunate, the outpouring of support from their peers and mentors demonstrates the strength and resilience of both Noelia and UmaSofia.
