After resignation and controversy, new Miss USA is crowned

A new Miss USA was crowned on Wednesday, just weeks after last year’s winner suddenly stepped down, sparking controversy and conversation over mental health and the treatment of contestants.

miss usa organization announced Last week, it was announced that Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt will be replaced by Miss Hawaii USA Savannah Gankiewicz, who was the runner-up in last year’s pageant. resigned From the title on May 6 due to mental health concerns.

“I fully support and respect Ms. Noelia’s decision to resign, and stand in solidarity with raising awareness of mental health,” Gankiewicz said in a statement. statement last week. “I accept this honor knowing that I have been encouraged throughout this journey by my supporters, family, friends, and the people of Hawaii. I accept this title on their behalf.”

But Vogt’s mental health wasn’t the only reason he kept the title.In his resignation letter Get NBC Newsa former pageant winner accused the Miss USA organization of fostering a toxic work environment and alleged sexual harassment cases.

“There is a toxic work environment within the Miss USA organization, with poor management at best and bullying and harassment at worst,” Noelia Vogt said. I have written in a letter. “This started right after I won the Miss USA 2023 title.”

She added that Miss USA CEO and President Leila Rose consistently failed to communicate with her and when he did, he was “often cold and unnecessarily aggressive.” Ta.

“We respect and support Noelia’s decision to step down from her role. The well-being of our title holder is paramount and we understand that she needs to prioritize herself at this time. We understand that,” the Miss USA organization wrote. statement last week.

The Miss USA organization did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for additional comment on the allegations.

Vogt encouraged others to take care of their mental health on Instagram. post So she announced her resignation.

“Never put your physical or mental health at risk. Our health is our wealth,” she said in a statement. “In life, I strongly believe in the importance of making decisions that are best for yourself and your mental health.”

Shortly after her resignation, Miss Teen USA 2023 Umasofia Srivastava also decided to vacate her title. Says On social media, she said her “personal values ​​are no longer fully aligned with the direction of the organization.”

Claudia Michel, the organization’s social media director, also resigned from her position days before Vogt left her title. I have written She said on social media that she had witnessed Vogt’s deteriorating mental state and had witnessed disrespect towards Srivastava and his family.

With her newly crowned title, Gankiewicz pledged to support future Miss USA winners and encouraged past winners to come together and do the same.

“Dear Sisters of Miss USA, we believe in the importance of coming together for the future of our organization and for the new students in 2024 and beyond. I wholeheartedly support the new delegates who have dedicated themselves to each state pageant. “I am committed to ensuring a seamless and memorable transition between Miss USA titleholders,” Gankiewicz said in a statement.