In a whirlwind of resignations, the Miss USA Organization has lost two of its biggest title holders. On May 6, 2024, the first Venezuelan American woman to win Miss USA, Noellia Voigt resigned, encouraging others to prioritize their mental health and advocate for themselves. In her statement posted via Instagram, the first letter of each sentence spelled “I AM SILENCED” causing public concern around the circumstances of her departure.
Two days later, Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia Srivastava, followed Voigt’s high-heeled footsteps, writing “…I find that my personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization,” in a statement on her Instagram. Srivastava said that her true purpose is creating impact through “The White Jaguar,” a children’s book about self-love that she wrote and illustrated.
Miss USA is an American beauty pageant, formerly owned by Donald Trump. Considering that fact, Miss USA was started when a Miss America winner refused to publicly pose for photos in a swimsuit and sponsors withdrew in solidarity, creating a new competition, Miss USA. It wasn’t until 2023, that married, widowed or divorced women were allowed to apply for the pageant. In 2024, it was announced that delegates could be over the age of 28.
While Miss USA is a beauty pageant that is self-described as empowering for women, it does determine the worth of a person based on their appearance. And while there are many problematic elements of Miss USA, it has also provided opportunities for women to uplift their voices such as Amanda Jones, a pro-choice feminist activist, who won in 1973. Those who strive to have the opportunity to share their perspective (even through a problematic outlet) do not deserve to be mistreated in the workplace.
Today, Miss USA winners are given health care, a $600k salary, a luxury apartment, skin and hair treatments and designer clothing. Not to mention modeling opportunities and access to exclusive events. While it’s clear why many appreciate the opportunity to receive those benefits, the work environment being described as “toxic” by former title holders has lessened interest in the prospect.
In Voigt’s resignation letter obtained by NBC News she wrote: “I have heard that comments have ranged from her [Miss USA CEO, Laylah Rose] describing me as difficult to work with for various untrue reasons, to weaponizing my mental health struggles brought on by my experience as Miss USA 2023, calling me ‘mentally ill’ in a derogatory way, to expressing that she hoped I would get hit in the face by a baseball at an event where I would throw out the first pitch at a baseball game.”
Her letter also included a description of sexual harassment she experienced on the job to which Rose allegedly said it was part of her role as a public figure.
In addition, Voigt wrote that the stress (induced by Rose) worsened a pre-existing health condition causing loss of hair, full body shakes and heart palpitations.
Claudia Michelle, social media coordinator for Miss USA stepped down just days before on May 3. Michelle said she had seen firsthand how Voigt and Strivastava’s mental health declined. As for her own position, she said that during her first two months as social media coordinator, she was not financially compensated. “Being offered your dream job and seeing that it was anything but is disheartening,” said Michelle in a statement via Instagram. She supports the choices of both former title holders in stepping down writing in the caption “I don’t believe in taking sides, I believe in telling the truth.”
In an interview with Good Morning America, Voigt’s mother, Jackeline Voigt said, “She is [silenced] and she will be the rest of her life if this NDA [non-disclosure agreement] isn’t being lifted.”
However, as support for Voigt and Srivastava increases, the Miss USA Organization has not slowed down in replacing them. Eleven days after Voigt’s resignation, Savannah Gankeiwicz of Hawaii was temporarily crowned Miss USA. She will hold the title until this August when the next Miss USA winner is announced. Gankeiwicz said Rose has been “nothing but kind,” a contrasting experience from Voigt’s.
Miss Teen USA runner-up, Stephanie Skinner declined the title, leaving the position of Miss Teen USA empty.
Both pageants are broadcasted through CW. Brad Schwarts, CW programming chief said the network is “very, very concerned about [the allegations]” according to USA TODAY. Whether that concern will lead to the program separating from both pageants is unknown.
However, former Miss USA state title holders have urged for both Voigt and Srivastava to be released from their strict confidentiality agreements to share their true experiences.
