The reigning winners of Miss USA, Noelia Voigt, and Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia Srivastava, resigned from their titles within days of each other this week in a shock to the Miss Universe Organization.
The resignations leave the longstanding pageant group without its top two titleholders for the first time in 72 years, shining a spotlight on its practices. The resignations have drawn calls for more transparency into Miss USA and its parent organization, both of which have faced and scrutiny in the past.
Voigt, crowned in September 2023, was the first Venezuelan American to win her title.
The title was a 鈥渃hildhood dream" and stepping down was a 鈥渧ery tough decision,鈥 the former Miss Utah and University of Alabama student said
鈥淢y hope is that I continue to inspire others to remain steadfast, prioritize your mental health, advocate for yourself and others by using your voice,鈥 the 24-year-old wrote.
Alongside the statement, Voigt added a caption that read, 鈥淚 realize this may come as a large shock to many. Never compromise your physical and mental well-being.鈥 She then thanked fans for their 鈥渦nwavering support.鈥
In its own statement, the Miss USA Organization thanked Voigt for her service and wished her 鈥渢he best in this next chapter.鈥
鈥淲e respect and support Noelia鈥檚 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," the statement read. 鈥淲e are currently reviewing plans for the transition of responsibilities to a successor, and we will soon announce the crowning of the new Miss USA.鈥
Srivastava, who was also crowned last September, announced her resignation in her own .
鈥淚 find that my personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization,鈥 the former Miss New Jersey Teen USA wrote.
The 17-year-old thanked her family and fans, said she was glad to represent her state as a first-generation Mexican Indian American and noted she was eager to apply to colleges and work on her multi-lingual children鈥檚 book.
A caption accompanying the statement said 鈥渢his was certainly not how I saw my reign coming to a close鈥 but called the experience a privilege.
A Miss Teen USA spokesperson could not be reached for comment on Srivastava's announcement. The Miss Universe Organization, which runs the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants, could not be reached for comment.
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Associated Press writer Mark Kennedy contributed to this report.
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Alexa St. John is an Associated Press climate solutions reporter. Follow her on X: . Reach her at ast.john@ap.org.
