Noelia Vogt has stepped down from the title of Miss USA 2023. She made her heartfelt announcement in a post to her Instagram on Monday, writing, “I strongly value the importance of making decisions that I feel are best for myself and my mental health. “I am doing so,” he said.
Vogt, a 24-year-old model and certified esthetician, has been vocal about mental health awareness in the past. In 2021, she published the anti-bullying children’s book ‘ maddie the braveis inspired by Madison “Maddie” Whitsett, a 9-year-old girl who committed suicide in 2018 after being bullied. Vogt said. business insider In 2023, she herself experienced bullying after she started participating in beauty pageants as a teenager.
In addition to being an advocate for anti-bullying on the biggest pageant stages, Vogt works with Smile Train, a non-profit organization focused on corrective surgery for children with cleft lip and palate, and works with Dating Violence. It also says that they are discussing awareness and prevention. Her immigration rights and reforms were her favorite part of holding her throne.
Vogt, who represents Utah, will be crowned Miss USA in September 2023. She is the first Venezuelan-American woman to win the title.
“I never could have imagined the journey my childhood dream would take me on,” Vogt wrote.
“It’s all about continued and consistent effort and dedication.” [led] I’ve gotten to where I am today, and I hope that in the last 7 years […] Sharing my journey with you inspires you to never give up on your dreams, no matter what they are. ”
In the caption of the post, Vogt added: “Never compromise your physical or mental health. Our health is our wealth.” And she credits the support of her family, friends, coaches, contest directors and fans with “eternal expressed his gratitude.
Vogt’s mother wrote a comment supporting her daughter’s decision to give up the title.
“As your mother, we were so relieved to see Noelia’s character restored. I’m proud of you. I watched how your personality changed and how your light faded. It broke our hearts. I’m so happy to see you again. Welcome back.
mental health and the crown
This isn’t the first time mental health has come up in connection to a contest winner.
In 2022, 2019 Miss USA Chelsea Christ died by suicide at the age of 30. Afterwards, Crist’s mother, April Simpkins, spoke about her daughter’s struggle with depression and how she felt she was never good enough.
In her posthumous memoir, which she left a note to her mother that she hoped would be published someday, Ms. Cristo wrote, “I felt like I had to be perfect, because I didn’t want everything to be perfect. I had to represent young people, women, and black people who also wanted to be published.” I was denied access even though I was in the room. ”
That book, By the time you read this, It came out last month.
In a statement made to America today, The Miss USA organization said, “We respect and support former Miss USA Noelia Voigt’s decision to step down from her duties.” The health of our titleholder is our top priority and at this time she is We understand that you need to prioritize yourself. ”
The statement added, “The organization is currently considering a plan for the succession of responsibilities to a successor, and an announcement regarding the crowning of a new Miss USA will be made soon.”
As for Vogt, she says she hopes people will “stay tuned” to see what she does next.
“My hope is to stick to my beliefs, prioritize my mental health, use my voice to advocate for myself and others, and take care of my future, even when it feels uncertain.” To continue to inspire others to never be afraid,” she says.
