Former Miss USA Noelia Voigt recently gave up her title to prioritize her mental health after reportedly experiencing inappropriate advances from a driver during a Christmas parade in Sarasota, Florida. The driver, described as an older man, made uncomfortable comments suggesting he wanted a relationship with Voigt. She was allegedly stuck in the car with the driver and could not escape the situation, as stepping out of the car in the middle of the parade was not an option.
Claudia Michelle, a friend of Voigt and former Miss USA organization’s social media manager, resigned due to bullying and toxicity. She claimed that Voigt’s security was inadequate due to a lack of funds necessary for the organization to run properly. Michelle also stated that Voigt should have been traveling with a bodyguard and handler at all times, as is typical for pageant titleholders. She criticized the organization’s handling of the situation and the lack of support for Voigt during her reign.
Miss USA titleholders are usually treated as celebrities, but Voigt was reportedly staying in her boyfriend’s college housing in Alabama or with her family in Florida instead of having proper accommodations provided for her by the organization. Michelle alleged that state pageants are run better than Miss USA under the current direction, further criticizing the organization’s management. She claimed that Voigt’s allegations of harassment after the holiday parade were ignored by her handler and the organization’s president, Laylah Rose.
The Miss USA organization has faced a series of resignations due to a toxic environment, with sources claiming that Voigt’s decision to relinquish her crown was not easy and stemmed from the upsetting circumstances she faced during her reign. Miss Teen USA winner UmaSofia Srivastava also stepped down, citing that her personal values no longer aligned with the organization’s direction. The crown’s runner-up, Miss Teen New York Stephanie Skinner, declined the title as well. Voigt and Srivastava allegedly made their decisions together and are hesitant to speak out further due to concerns about negative repercussions on their futures.
Barbara Srivastava, UmaSofia Srivastava’s mother, accused Miss USA president Laylah Rose of mental abuse towards her daughter and Voigt. She claimed that Rose tormented and threatened the titleholders. Rose replaced the former president last year but is now being urged to step down by Michelle and the mothers of the former titleholders. The overall allegations against the organization paint a concerning picture of a toxic environment that has led talented and accomplished young women to give up their titles in order to prioritize their mental well-being. The situation highlights the importance of addressing issues of harassment and inadequate support in the pageant world.
