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Why did Miss USA 2023 resign?
Utah’s Noelia Voigt was voted Miss USA in 2023 but relinquished the title months later. She gave a lengthy explanation as to why she decided to step down.
Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles is putting the finishing touches to preparation for this evening’s Miss USA beauty pageant which gets underway at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT and will be aired on The CW. The same venue held the annual Miss Teen USA contest last Thursday, and now its the turn of Miss USA - “a celebration of beauty, intelligence, and empowerment” with tonight’s winner going on to represent the US in the Miss Universe pageant which will be held in Mexico later this year.
It hasn’t always been plain sailing for the beauty pageant - there was controversy in May when title holder Noelia Voigt, stunned the Miss Universe Organization by resigning. The contest regulations state that when a winner steps down, the title will be handed to the runner-up - so Hawaii’s Savannah Gankiewicz, who finished second in the September 2023 pageant, is now the official title holder.
Miss USA and Miss Teen USA hand in their notice
The situation got even worse when UmaSofia Srivastava, who had won Miss Teen USA, followed suit two days later, explaining that her “personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.”
Voigt, the first Venezuelan American to win, handed her resignation in May 2024 citing mental health reasons. Those close to her, admitted noticing a decline in her well being during the eight months as Miss USA.
Voigt explains her decision to step down from Miss USA duties
The 24-year-old issued a lengthy statement on Instagram, detailing why she had taken the decision. “My journey as Miss USA has been incredibly meaningful, representing Utah with pride, and later the USA at Miss Universe,” she wrote. “Sadly, I have made the very tough decision to resign from the title of Miss USA 2023. Never could I have imagined the journey that my childhood dream would take me on.
“Constant and consistent hard work and dedication all lead me to where I am today, and I hope that the last seven years of competing in pageantry and sharing my journey with you all is something that inspires you to never give up on your dreams, whatever they may be.
“Eternal gratitude fills my heart when I think about the platform I was given to make a difference, the feeling of achieving a lifelong dream, and connecting with people all over the world, just as I said I would do on the Miss USA stage.
“Deep down I know that this is just the beginning of a new chapter for me, and my hope is that I continue to inspire others to remain steadfast, prioritize your mental health, advocate for yourself and others by using your voice, and never be afraid of what the future holds, even if it feels uncertain”.
Voigt’s statement received a response from the Miss USA organization’s director Shanna Moakler, who replied, “I am so proud of the young woman that you are. I’m so honored that I was able to be a part of your journey. I know this decision wasn’t easy for you, but I know you know I will always support you, be there for you. You are my family and you’re someone I greatly admire.”
An official statement from the organization added, “We respect and support former Miss USA Noelia Voigt’s decision to step down from her duties. The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority, and we understand her need to prioritize herself at this time.”