NEW YORK, May 9: The pageant world was rocked once again on Wednesday as Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava announced her resignation, just days after Miss USA Noelia Voigt decided to step down from her title.
In an Instagram post, Srivastava cited a misalignment of personal values with the organization’s direction as the reason behind her resignation. The high school student from New Jersey, who made history as the first Mexican-Indian American Miss Teen USA, expressed gratitude for her time as a titleholder and highlighted her commitment to education advocacy and philanthropic work with organizations like Lotus Petal and Bridge of Books.
Responding to Srivastava’s decision, the pageant issued a statement expressing respect for her choice and reaffirming their commitment to the well-being of titleholders. They assured that a successor would be named soon.
Meanwhile, Noelia Voigt’s resignation from the Miss USA title earlier in the week, citing mental health concerns, has also stirred conversations within the pageant community. Voigt, a Venezuelan American from Utah, had emphasized her dedication to fostering inclusivity and mental health advocacy during her tenure.
Speculation arose among fans regarding Voigt’s departure, with some interpreting hidden messages in her Instagram post suggesting a non-disclosure agreement. The Miss USA Organization, in response, expressed support for Voigt’s decision and stated their commitment to addressing any concerns within the organization.
Claudia Michelle, the organization’s social media director, also stepped down last week, further fueling discussions about potential issues within the pageant culture. Michelle had been vocal about alleged problems at the organization, condemning workplace toxicity and bullying.
Requests for comment from Miss Universe and Miss USA regarding these resignations were not immediately answered. In a show of solidarity, several of Voigt’s fellow Miss USA contestants called for her release from any non-disclosure agreements, allowing her to share her experiences freely.