For the first time in its storied 72-year history, the Miss USA Organization is grappling with the reality that neither its reigning Miss USA nor its Miss Teen USA will complete their respective reigns. Noelia Voigt, the current Miss USA, and UmaSofia Srivastava, the reigning Miss Teen USA, have both cited mental health concerns as primary reasons for their abrupt departures.
Neolia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA 2023, resigned from her coveted title on May 6, citing mental and physical health concerns. "I strongly value the importance of making decisions that feel best for you and your mental health," she wrote in a statement posted to her Instagram account. Soon after, Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava also stepped down from her title on May 8, causing even Voigt to be surprised. Srivastava stated that she resigned over differences between the organisation and her. Speaking to People magazine, Voigt expressed, "We were at an event together last night, and we're both feeling incredibly optimistic about the future and what that holds for us individually and together."
UmaSofia's victory as Miss Teen USA was historic since no one from New Jersey had ever won the title. In addition, UmaSofia was the first winner of Indian-Mexican descent in the pageant's history. She also succeeded Farn Medhi as the second consecutive winner of Indian descent.
Why Did The Duo Resign?
Neolia Voigt posted a statement on Instagram, stating she had thought this decision over for the last few months. Expressing gratitude to the Miss USA organisation, she told People magazine, "There [are] so many things that I would love to explore. My background is in interior design. I think having a show would be really fun, exploring communications on TV. I just feel like the possibilities are kind of endless, and I'm at a point right now where I'm very exploratory of all those things, so we'll see."
Two days after Voigt, UmaSofia decided to resign from her position, stating that her values were no longer aligned with those of the Miss Teen USA organisation. In an Instagram post, she said that this was not how she intended her reign to come to a close. However, she would continue to advocate for worthwhile causes and work with the other organisations she has partnered with, such as the Lotus Petal Foundation and the Bridge of Books Foundation.
UmaSofia intends to double down and focus on her academic achievements and college applications now. "I look forward to the rest of the year as I finish Year 11 as part of the National Honor Society, knowing that my academic career has been defined by my hard work alone."
She also thanked everyone who supported her through the journey, wishing the organisation the best wishes, going ahead. As a response, Miss Teen USA, in another Instagram post, thanked her for her contribution, stating that they have the utmost respect for her choices. "The well-being of our titleholders is our top priority. We are currently reviewing plans for the transition of responsibilities to a successor.". They added that they would soon announce a new Miss Teen USA.
Several people have come forward in support of UmaSofia, congratulating her for beginning a new chapter and wishing her the best of luck. Voigt told People, "A lot of people haven't gotten to see that side of her yet, but she wants to be a diplomat. She wants to work for the Department of Defense. She really is a truly incredible human being, and I could not be more proud of her for showing her generation—teenagers, Gen Z—that it's also okay to step away from things that aren't good for you."
A Toxic Culture and Financial Turmoil
Beneath the surface glamour of the pageant world lies a darker reality of mismanagement, toxic work environments, and allegations of mistreatment. Reports have surfaced indicating financial difficulties within the organisation, with accusations that employees were not receiving their rightful compensation. Former social media manager Claudia Michelle's testimony sheds light on the financial instability plaguing the organization, revealing instances where she was not paid for her services and the lack of proper contractual agreements.
The roots of the turmoil can be traced back to 2023, when the Miss USA Organization's owner, JKN Group, filed for bankruptcy, triggering a series of events that have cast doubt on the organization's stability. Laylah Rose's appointment as the CEO and Miss USA President amidst these challenges further highlights the organizational upheaval facing the Miss USA Organization. Industry insiders such as ex-Miss Montana and YouTube commentator Dani Walker have also brought attention to the systemic challenges and unethical practices prevalent within the pageant industry.
“I feel like they’ve already been on unstable ground,” said Dani Walker, a former Miss Montana who competed in Miss USA. “We’re in this age that’s filled with influencers and reality TV stars and we have Hollywood, we literally have the biggest stars in the world. Those are the reasons pageantry in the United States struggles to stay relevant.”
Furthermore, testimonies from former employees like Claudia Michelle provide firsthand accounts of the organization's inner workings, showing a grim picture of financial instability and operational shortcomings. “I wasn’t really an employee. There was no contract signed, there was no onboarding, there was no salary and benefits,” the ex-employee said. “It’s a testament to how much I love this brand, I was willing to take this on pro bono.”
A Legacy Under Scrutiny
Beauty pageants, deeply entrenched in American culture with roots tracing back to the 19th century, have long captivated audiences with their spectacle and glamour. However, in recent decades, these venerable institutions have encountered formidable challenges as they struggle to adapt to changing societal attitudes and preferences. The Miss America pageant, once a cultural icon in its own right, now finds itself struggling with declining viewership and internal turmoil, mirroring the struggles faced by its rival, the Miss Universe Organization.
As the dust begins to settle on this latest chapter of turmoil, the future of the pageant industry hangs in the balance. With voices like Dani Walker cautioning against the status quo, participants and stakeholders alike are left grappling with difficult decisions. The once-promising era under Laylah Rose's leadership now stands on shaky ground, its viability called into question amidst mounting controversies and disillusionment.
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