Ariana Remus said in a statement that she stands in solidarity with Noelia Vogt and Umasofia Srivastava, who resigned from the title last week.
DENVER — Miss Colorado Arianna Lemus announced Friday that she is stepping down from her role in solidarity with the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA winners.
Current Miss USA winner Noelia Vogt and Miss Teen USA Umasofia Srivastava shocked the Miss Universe organization last week, resigning their titles within days.
The resignations left the long-running beauty pageant group without its top two title holders for the first time in 72 years and put a spotlight on its practices. The resignations have prompted calls for greater transparency from Miss USA and its parent organization, both of which have faced controversy and scrutiny in the past.
Remus said in a statement Friday that he resigned in favor of Vogt and Srivastava.
“I stand in solidarity with former Miss USA and Miss Teen USA 2023 Noelia and Uma Sophia as I step down from my position as Miss Colorado USA,” she said in a statement. “Noelia and Uma Sophia’s voices have been stifled by contractual restrictions that undermine their rights and dignity. These amazing women are a poignant reminder of the need for urgent reform within the Miss USA organization. It is fulfilling its role.”
A statement posted on social media platform Instagram said: “There is absolutely no glamor in silencing women.”
Vogt, who was crowned in September 2023, became the first Venezuelan-American to win the title.
The title is “A Childhood Dream,” and stepping down was a “very difficult decision,” the former Miss Utah and University of Alabama student said in an Instagram post Monday.
“My hope is that I continue to inspire others to remain resolute, prioritize their mental health, and use their voices to advocate for themselves and others.” the 24-year-old wrote.
Vogt added the following caption to the statement: Never put your physical or mental health at risk. ” and thanked the fans for their “unwavering support.”
In its own statement, the Miss USA organization thanked Vogt for her accomplishments and wished her “the best of luck in her next chapter.”
Srivastava, who was also crowned last September, announced his resignation in a post on his Instagram on Wednesday.
“I realized that my personal values were no longer fully aligned with the direction of the organization,” the former Miss New Jersey Teen USA wrote.
A spokesperson for Miss Teen USA did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding Srivastava’s announcement. Miss Universe Organization, which runs the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants, could not be reached for comment.
RELATED: ‘Toxic workplace’: Questions swirl within organization after Miss USA, Miss Teen USA resignations
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