Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava has resigned her title, just days after Miss USA Noelia Voigt stepped down. Srivastava, 17, took to Instagram to announce her resignation, citing a misalignment of her personal values with the pageant organization.
“After months of grappling with this decision, I have made the choice to resign from the title of Miss Teen USA 2023,” Srivastava shared in her statement. She expressed gratitude for her time representing New Jersey and highlighted the fulfillment of being a first-generation Mexican-Indian American on the national stage.
However, Srivastava explained, “My personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization,” prompting her decision to step down.
The Miss Teen USA organization expressed support for Srivastava’s decision and stated that a successor would be announced soon.
Voigt’s resignation earlier in the week focused attention on mental health struggles, with her emphasizing the importance of prioritizing mental well-being. “Prioritize your mental health, advocate for yourself and others by using your voice and never be afraid of what the future holds, even if it feels uncertain,” Voigt, 24, advised in her resignation statement.
Fans noticed a hidden message in Voigt’s statement, where the first letter of each sentence spelled out “I AM SILENCED.” Miss USA acknowledged Voigt’s departure and emphasized their commitment to the well-being of titleholders.
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The resignations within the organization extend beyond pageant winners. Miss USA’s social media director, Claudia Michelle, also announced her departure, citing alleged workplace toxicity and bullying. Michelle expressed concern for Voigt’s mental health and criticized the organization’s handling of the matter.
Miss USA responded to Michelle’s allegations, labeling them as false accusations and reaffirming their commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment.
This isn’t the first time the pageant organization has faced controversy. In 2021, allegations of contest rigging surfaced, prompting denials from the organization. Additionally, Max Sebrechts, a Miss USA vice-president, resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment from multiple contestants.
The series of departures from the pageant world underscores ongoing challenges within the industry and raises questions about the treatment of contestants and the culture within pageant organizations.
