New Miss USA 2023 Announced As Former Title Holder, Noelia Voigt, Steps Down
Umasofia Srivastava, who was crowned Miss Teen USA 2023, has given up her title two days after Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt did the same, Bazaar Arabia shares everything we know below…
The consecutive resignations have put pressure on the pageants’ parent organisation, especially as the women cited mental health and differences in values as their reasons.
Both women, quit citing concerns regarding their emotional wellbeing, “workplace toxicity” and differences in values, as well as claiming that the two titleholders were mistreated.
Claudia Michelle, Miss USA’s social media director, also resigned on May 3. She took to Instagram to outline her reasons for resigning, alleging that she worked without compensation for two months, was not given proper staff, and believed management disrespected the winners.
Claudia also expressed concern over Noelia’s declining mental health, 24-year-old Venezuelan-American, who was crowned in September, whom she had worked closely with.
As for Miss Teen USA Umasofia, who is 17, Claudia was quoted as saying that she had “firsthand seen the disrespect towards Uma and her family.”
The Pageant Announced A New Miss USA 2023
On May 9, the organisation declared that the new 2023 titleholder is Savannah Gankiewicz, Miss Hawaii USA, and the first runner-up in the 2023 Miss USA competition, on its Instagram page.
The institution also announced that Savannah will be officially crowned in her home state next week.
“We are proud to crown Savannah Miss USA 2023, a true representation of vision, intelligence, and compassion,” read a statement from Laylah Rose, Miss USA’s CEO, and president.
“Her dedication to empowering women through self-love and confidence is inspiring, and we look forward to her impactful reign as Miss USA,” the statement continued.
Savannah posted a statement regarding the former title holder’s move. “I fully support and respect Noelia’s decision to step down, and I stand in solidarity with mental health awareness,” Savannah said.
“I accept the crown knowing that I have been uplifted by my supporters, family, friends, and the people of Hawaii throughout this journey. I accept this title on their behalf,” she added.
Miss USA 2024 is set to be held in Los Angeles, California on August 4 and it will be the 73rd edition of the pageant.