The world of pageantry was left reeling this week as both the reigning Miss USA and Miss Teen USA announced their resignations amidst a scandal brewing within the Miss USA Organization, Hindustan Times reported.
Miss USA Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava shocked the pageant community and beyond with their unexpected decisions to relinquish their crowns. The circumstances surrounding their resignations have sparked curiosity and raised questions about what might be happening behind the scenes of the glamorous competition.
This unprecedented double resignation marks the first time in Miss USA's 72-year history that reigning titleholders have voluntarily stepped down. Voigt, who won the Miss USA title in September 2024 at the age of 24, cited mental health concerns as her reason for resigning, three months before her reign was set to end.
In a statement announcing her resignation, Voigt praised Miss Teen USA Srivastava for taking a stand for what is right. Srivastava, the first Mexican-Indian American to represent New Jersey at the national level, was crowned Miss Teen USA at the age of 17.
The resignations come amidst a larger controversy surrounding the Miss USA Organization, which has faced criticism for mismanagement, a toxic work culture, and alleged mistreatment of mental health concerns. The organization's troubles reportedly began in 2023 when its owner, JKN Group, filed for bankruptcy, leading to the termination of its president. Laylah Rose, the current CEO and Miss USA President, was announced as the replacement.
NBCUniversal ended its association with the pageants following controversial remarks by then-owner of Miss Universe, Donald Trump, accusing Mexico of sending criminals and rapists into the U.S. Srivastava cited a misalignment of personal values with the organization's direction as the reason for her resignation, which she announced on social media.
Former Miss Montana and YouTube commentator Dani Walker has highlighted the industry's struggles in the face of competition from social media influencers, reality shows, and Hollywood celebrities. Additionally, former social media manager Claudia Michelle has spoken out about financial troubles within the organization, claiming that she was not paid for two months and was initially told that there was no money to pay her.
As the Miss USA Organization navigates this scandal, the resignations of its two reigning titleholders have further underscored the challenges facing the pageant world.