Miss Teen USA announced she was stepping down on Wednesday, two days after the pageant’s president announced she was stepping down and relinquishing her crown.
Umasofia Srivastava, 17, posted on Instagram: “After careful consideration, I have decided to step down as my personal values are no longer fully aligned with the direction of the organization.”
Srivastava added, “I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from my family, state representatives, sister queens and all the fans who have cheered me on since winning the state title. I will always fondly remember my time as Miss New Jersey Teen USA, and the experience of representing my state at the national level as a first-generation Mexican-Indian American was fulfilling in itself.”
The resignation comes the same week that Noelia Voight relinquished her Miss USA title, citing mental health reasons.
Last week, the Miss USA organization’s social media director also announced her resignation. Claudia Michelle wrote on Instagram that she had witnessed Voight’s “deteriorating” mental health and “disrespect” toward Srivastava and her family.
“I feel that the way the current management is speaking about the titleholder is unprofessional and inappropriate. I deny any kind of toxic behaviour or bullying in the workplace,” Michelle wrote.
“The well-being of everyone involved with Miss USA is my top priority,” Layla Rose, CEO and president of the Miss USA organization, said in a statement to NBC News on Wednesday.
“My personal goal as head of this organization is to inspire women to always dream new things, have the courage to explore everything and maintain their integrity along the way. I hold myself to the same high standards and take these allegations seriously,” she said, without elaborating on which allegations she was referring to.
Srivastava said he would continue to advocate for education and inclusion.
She said the reaction she received from both children and adults to her children’s book, “The White Jaguar,” built her legend.
“This work has always been my true purpose,” Srivastava wrote.
According to the book summary, it tells the story of a Jagger who is separated from his parents after a fire. He realizes he doesn’t look like other Jaggers and must find his way home on a journey of self-love, according to the summary.
Srivastava also said she is looking forward to completing her senior year of high school and applying to college.
“What’s most important is to thank those who support me for who I am and who I have always been, not what I was once,” she said.
Voight announced on Monday that she was stepping down from her role as Miss USA to prioritize her mental and physical health. The 24-year-old, who was crowned in September, posted her announcement on Instagram.
“Deep down, I know this is just the beginning of a new chapter for me, and I hope to continue to inspire others to stay steadfast, prioritize their mental health, use their voice to advocate for themselves and others, and never be afraid of what the future has in store, even when it feels uncertain,” Voight said.
The Miss USA organization said in a statement Monday that it respected Voight’s decision and accepted her resignation.
“We respect and support former Miss USA Noelia Voight’s decision to step down from her roles,” the organization said. “The well-being of our titleholders is our top priority, and we understand that she needs to prioritize herself at this time.”
The pageant said it was considering plans for “transition of responsibilities to a successor” and would make an announcement soon.
