Former Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt has accused the Miss USA Organization of creating a “toxic work environment” in an eight-page resignation letter.
Following Voigt’s resignation, Miss Teen USA 2023 Umasofia Srivastava also announced that she was resigning from her position.
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Miss USA 2023 Resigns From Organization
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In an eight-page resignation letter obtained by ABC News, Voigt claims, “There is a toxic work environment within the Miss USA organization that, at best, is poor management and, at worst, is bullying and harassment.”
“This started soon after winning the title,” she added.
She then called out Layla Rose, the president and CEO of the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA organizations, accusing her of being “generally inaccessible for communication” and not offering her support.
“At future events, the organization neglected its responsibility to provide a chaperone and/or traveling companion entirely, and I was alone,” Voigt claimed in the letter.
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Noelia Voigt Says The Experience Took A Toll On Her Physical And Mental Health
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Furthermore, Voigt claims that after she was named, the experience she went through took a toll on her physical and mental health.
“It is important that I make this abundantly clear: the toll that this treatment, experience, and abuse has taken on me will have long-lasting impacts on my health. This is, unfortunately, not something that will magically disappear,” she wrote. “I know the harsh reality of that fact, and I will not continue to allow myself to feel victimized anymore.”
She also released a statement on social media, telling her followers that while “This may come as a large shock to many,” people should “never compromise [their] physical and mental well-being.”
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Noelia Voigt: ‘Never Compromise Your Physical And Mental Well-Being’
“In life, I strongly value the importance of making decisions that feel best for you and your mental health,” Voigt wrote in a lengthy statement.
“As individuals, we grow through experiencing different things in life that lead us to learning more about ourselves,” she added. “My journey as Miss USA has been incredibly meaningful, representing Utah with pride, and later the USA at Miss Universe.”
“Sadly, I have made the tough decision to resign from the title of Miss USA 2023,” she announced. “I am grateful for the love and support of the fans, old and new, my family, my friends, my coaches, former state and local directors, and my darling beloved Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia.”
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“Lifelong friendships and connections that I had the opportunity to make along the way while attending different events and competing at state pageants, Miss USA [and] Miss Universe are invaluable things that I will be forever grateful for,” she continued.
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Miss USA Organization Releases Statement
“We respect and support Noelia’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,” they wrote in their joint statement. “We are currently reviewing plans for the transition of responsibilities to a successor, and we will soon announce the crowning of the new Miss USA.”
Miss Teen USA 2023 Resigns
Instagram | Umasofia Srivastava
Miss Teen USA 2023, Umasofia Srivastava, also announced her resignation from her position.
“After careful consideration, I’ve decided to resign as I find that my personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization,” Srivastava wrote in part.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me these past two years. It has truly been an honor to represent you all,” she continued. “While this was certainly not how I saw my reign coming to a close, I am excited to continue my advocacy for education and acceptance, start applying to colleges, and share some exciting new projects on That’s Fan Behavior with those of you who plan to stick around.”
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“At the end of the day, I am so lucky to have had the privilege of this experience, but if this is just a chapter, I know that the story of my life will truly be incredible,” she concluded.