“This is an organization that is supposed to advance the status of women, but that power has been taken away from them,” said an official with the Miss USA organization.
SARASOTA, Fla. — For the first time in history, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA have resigned within days of each other, raising concerns from fans about what’s going on within the organization.
Sarasota County native Noelia Voigt made the “very difficult decision” to step down from the title on Monday, with just a few months left in her tenure.
In a statement posted to Instagram, Voigt addressed mental health several times and encouraged the outpouring of love and support from fans and former titleholders. However, her commenters were quick to note that the first letter of her first 11 sentences in her statement spelled out “I am silent.”
This potential hidden message comes as Miss Teen USA Umasofia Srivastava also resigned just two days later, citing her “personal values no longer fully aligning with the direction of the organization.” further amplified.
The unprecedented decision by two reigning queens to relinquish their crowns early has focused attention on the Miss USA organization, which is run by the Miss Universe organization.
RELATED: ‘Eternally grateful’: Sarasota native Noelia Voigt resigns as Miss USA
“It’s pure control.”
Sources close to both the Miss Universe and Miss USA title holders and former employees said the problems stem from new leadership.
VVV Global Entry founder Leila Rose became president and CEO of the Miss USA brand in August 2023, just one month before the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants.
“She rules through fear and she rules through harassment, not just to the contestants but to the employees as well,” a source told 10 Tampa Bay about Rose. 10 Tampa Bay granted the sources anonymity to allow them to speak more freely about the situation.
The official said Rose is responsible for the “toxic work environment” at the Miss USA organization, adding that Vogt would be reprimanded or ignored if she brought up mental health concerns.
These “bullying” and “toxic work environment” claims were also outlined in Vogt’s resignation letter, which was obtained by CBS News.
Vogt said in her letter that her relationship with the organization had become “unbearable,” adding that she was suffering from anxiety as a result. In her letter, the former Miss USA also cited times when she was made to feel unsafe at events, including a time when she was sexually harassed at a Christmas parade.
Officials said management rarely booked Vogt’s appearances, and when they did, they didn’t cover his expenses or provide a handler for security. The source also claimed that management took over the titleholder’s social media accounts to limit what she could say.
“This is supposed to be a women’s empowerment organization, but it has been disempowered,” the official said. “It’s pure control.”
The source explained that Voigt is bound by what she called an “incredibly egregious” contract that each state title holder must sign in order to compete in Miss USA. This became Vogt’s full-time Miss USA contract when she won the pageant in September.
The Miss USA organization did not respond to a request for comment from 10 Tampa Bay.
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Fellow queens call for change
Miss Florida USA Caroline Dixon referenced the deal in a statement posted on Instagram on Wednesday on behalf of the majority of the Miss USA 2023 class. She is asking the Miss USA organization to release Vogt from the terms of her contract so she can speak freely. About her experience as Miss USA.
“The majority of the members of the Miss USA Class of 2023 support Noelia Vogt’s decision to step down from the title of Miss USA. Prioritizing your own mental health is of the utmost importance and we supports her.
“We are asking the Miss USA Organization to permanently release Noelia from the NDA confidentiality clause in her contract and allow her to speak freely about her experiences and time as Miss USA. We are looking for a response within the next few days.”
“Our goal is to restore Noelia’s voice. We demand full transparency from contestants in 2024 and beyond.” The statement reads:
Former employee says Miss USA and Miss Teen USA are ‘silent’
The message echoes a statement from Miss USA’s former social media director, Claudia Michel, who resigned three days before Vogt.
Michelle worked unpaid for the first two months, received no support or funding for her entire social media team, and did not have full access to or guidance on her original social media accounts, the statement alleges. He said it had not been given to him. .
Michelle also expressed concern about Vogt and Srivastava’s health, explaining that she felt their “mental health and well-being” was declining.
“I have seen with my own eyes that Noelia and Yuma are unable to share personal statements on social media and are threatened by MUO’s ‘Social Media Rules and Guidelines,’ which I have not yet seen. ” she said in a statement.
Michel went on to mention how Vogt and Srivastava felt unable to share the truth of their experiences under the organization.
“I find the way current management speaks about titleholders unprofessional and inappropriate. I reject toxic behavior and bullying of any kind in the workplace,” her statement said.
“I believe their voices and stories should not be silenced, but should be heard,” Michel said of Vogt and Srivastava.
In response to Michelle, the Miss USA organization told USA Today, “We are troubled to hear of the false accusations made by a former Miss USA employee. Miss USA 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. ”
Michelle and former sources confirmed that two assistant national directors of the Miss USA organization were fired in the week before Vogt and Srivastava resigned.
“We respect and support Noelia’s decision to step down from her duties,” the Miss USA organization and Rose said in an Instagram post. We understand that this must be a priority. We are currently evaluating a succession plan and will soon announce a new Miss USA crown.”
On Thursday afternoon, the Miss USA organization announced that Miss Hawaii USA Savannah Gankiewicz will assume the title previously held by Vogt.
Gankiewicz said in her post that she supports Vogt’s decision to resign, adding that it is important that she and the “Miss USA Sisters” “come together for the future of the organization.”
Gankiewicz’s mother, Yvien Peterson, addressed some of the controversy surrounding the organization in a comment, referring to Vogt and Srivastava, saying, “What they went through is not what the media portrays.” It wasn’t as harmful as it could have been.”
“Yes, unfortunately they may have had to take Spirit Airlines.” [sic]Yes, they may have been told by their boss that some of their posts aren’t on brand, and yes, they may not be wearing makeup. [sic] As their performing artists, they may have been reprimanded for some of their clothing choices, and yes, they may not have won all the prizes…but if that was the worst…I do that [sic] Unfortunately, they may have forgotten their primary role, and that was to serve as role models for women,” Peterson wrote.
