image source, paul archuleta
Current Miss USA Noelia Vogt has stepped down from her title, citing mental health issues.
Voigt, who won the annual competition in September, said she believes in making decisions that “think are best for yourself and your mental health.”
“Never put your physical or mental health at risk,” she wrote on Instagram. “Our health is our wealth.”
The Miss USA organization said it supported her decision and would announce a replacement.
The 24-year-old Venezuelan-American from Utah said he wants to “continue to inspire others” as he begins a “new chapter” in his life.
“Prioritize your mental health, use your voice to advocate for yourself and others, and never be afraid of the future, even when it feels uncertain,” she said.
She expressed gratitude for her seven months as Miss USA, saying it gave her a “platform to make a difference,” realize a “lifelong dream,” and meet “people from all over the world.” He said he was able to do so.
Miss USA thanked Vogt and said on Instagram that “the well-being of our title holders is our top priority.”
The group said it was considering a plan to “transfer responsibility to a successor.”
Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii placed second to Vogt in last year’s contest. The New York Times reported that Gankiewicz has already been given the title.
While medical experts have praised her decision to step down, fans have speculated about her motives for abdicating the throne after just over seven months in office.
“When a mental illness interferes not only with daily life but also with the ability to actually work, it is life-threatening and as serious as untreated diabetes. [and] It’s uncontrolled high blood pressure,” American health correspondent Dr. Jen Ashton told Good Morning America in response to the news.
Vogt’s resignation comes three days after Miss USA’s social media director Claudia Michel announced her resignation from the brand, citing allegations of “toxic behavior and bullying in the workplace,” and the title holder. They said, “We should not be silent and listen, but we should listen to their voices.”
Michelle said in a statement: “I had the privilege of working closely with Noelia, and unfortunately from the moment I met her I witnessed her mental health deteriorate.”
“My ability to share my story and my platform has diminished,” Vogt said.
Miss USA told USA Today that Michelle’s statement contained “false accusations” and that the organization is “committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and supportive environment. We take these allegations seriously.”
“Certainly, we have and will continue to prioritize the well-being of everyone involved with Miss USA.”
But fans on social media noticed that while the first letter of each sentence in Vogt’s lengthy resignation statement spelled out “I AM SILENCED,” the last three letters spelled out “HIP.” Noticed. Underneath her resignation statement posted on Instagram, dozens of fans commented on the apparent connection.
The BBC has contacted Miss USA for further comment.
Miss USA has previously been controversial over its treatment of contestants. The year before Vogt was crowned, the contest faced allegations of rigging the 2022 contest in favor of winner Bronny Gabriel. The contest involved sponsors, including one owned by then-President Crystal Stewart.
Ms. Stewart was suspended, but she, Miss USA, and Ms. Gabrielle denied the allegations of bid rigging. It was later revealed that Stewart’s husband, Miss USA Vice President Max Sebrecht, had resigned from his position after multiple contestants claimed he had sexually harassed her in 2021.
