Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii was crowned the new Miss USA 2023 after former Miss USA Noelia Voigt resigned amid allegations of a toxic work environment and mishandling of a sexual harassment incident by the pageant’s CEO, Laylah Rose. Gankiewicz, 28, accepted the role in a special coronation ceremony in Waikiki, Hawaii. Voigt cited mental health reasons for her resignation, but internet sleuths pointed out a hidden message in her social media post suggesting she felt silenced. Hawaii Governor Josh Green praised Gankiewicz, saying she embodies the spirit of Miss USA and will be a symbol of resilience and hope for the state.
In her resignation letter, Voigt accused the Miss USA organization of fostering a toxic work environment and failing to address a sexual harassment incident she raised. She specifically called out CEO Laylah Rose for poor communication and aggressive behavior. Voigt detailed an alleged incident of sexual harassment at a Christmas event, where a man made inappropriate comments to her. When Voigt reported the incident to Rose, she was reportedly told that such incidents were part of being a public figure. Rose responded to the allegations, stating that the well-being of all individuals associated with Miss USA is a top priority for her.
Following Voigt’s resignation, Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava also stepped down, citing a misalignment of personal values with the organization’s direction. Miss USA’s social media manager, Claudia Michelle, also resigned, alleging that Rose’s communication was inconsistent and the organization’s management was unprofessional. Gankiewicz briefly addressed the allegations, expressing empathy for the former titleholders but affirming her belief in the organization and Laylah Rose. She stated that her goal is to make a positive impact in the organization and that she trusts Rose to lead effectively.
The controversy surrounding Voigt’s resignation and the allegations against the Miss USA organization have brought negative attention to the pageant’s leadership and processes. The issue of toxic work environments and mishandling of sexual harassment claims has raised concerns about the treatment of contestants and titleholders within the organization. The resignations of key figures like Voigt, Srivastava, and Michelle indicate a lack of confidence in the current management and suggest a need for systemic changes to address these issues. Gankiewicz’s coronation as the new Miss USA comes at a challenging time for the organization, as it navigates the fallout from the recent events and attempts to restore its reputation.
Despite the controversies and resignations, Gankiewicz remains optimistic about her role as Miss USA and her ability to make a positive impact within the organization. She expressed her belief in Laylah Rose’s leadership and emphasized her commitment to supporting the Miss USA brand. Gankiewicz’s coronation ceremony was a celebratory event that marked the beginning of her reign as Miss USA 2023. As she takes on her new role, she will face the challenge of addressing the fallout from the recent controversies and working towards creating a more positive and supportive environment for contestants, titleholders, and staff within the Miss USA organization. The ultimate test for Gankiewicz will be to demonstrate effective leadership and advocacy for a safer and more inclusive pageant community.
