As Savannah Gankiewicz prepares to take over the role of Miss USA, she stands in solidarity with Noelia Vogt, who recently stepped down from the position.
Gankiewicz, also known as Miss Hawaii, was originally the first runner-up in the 2023 Miss USA pageant. However, she was given the role of Miss USA after Vogt announced her resignation.
Gankiewicz made a public statement about her new role on Instagram Thursday, sharing a message of support for Vogt, who has accused the Miss USA organization of fostering a toxic work culture.
“Please know that my decision to accept the Miss USA crown was not made lightly. I support Noelia and admire her strength in stepping down and prioritizing her mental health. I do,” she wrote.
Gankiewicz, who won Miss Hawaii in 2023, also told Voigt how much it meant to her to get to know her during the pageant.
“Noelia, it was the honor of a lifetime to share the stage with you at the most incredible moments. I wish you the best of luck in your next chapter,” she wrote.
The newly crowned Miss USA concluded her statement by giving a preview of the work she hopes to accomplish in her new role.
“In my limited time as Miss USA, I want to bring attention and focus to the rebuilding of Lahaina on the island of Maui,” she wrote.
On Thursday, the Miss USA organization announced that Gankiewicz would replace Vogt and that the coronation would be held in Hawaii on May 15.
“Her dedication to empowering women through self-love and confidence is inspiring, and we look forward to her impactful reign as Miss USA,” said CEO and President of the Miss USA Organization. Layla Rose released a statement on Instagram.
Gankiewicz also released her own statement on the Miss USA organization’s Instagram post.
“I fully support and respect Noelia’s decision to resign and stand in solidarity with raising awareness of mental health,” she said. “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.”
The sensitive nature of Vogt’s departure from the role led some to question Gankiewicz’s decision to accept the role. However, her mother, Ivian Peterson, responded to her daughter’s Instagram post and set her record straight.
“I want all of you who are bashing our daughter to know and understand that this decision was not made lightly. I want her to be a warrior and bear your hate.” “People who claim to support women clearly need to backtrack on that because they have no idea how to support women,” she wrote.
The Guardian’s mother continued her message, saying, “We heard firsthand from former employees, parents, and Noelia herself what they went through. What they went through is not as harmful as the media portrays it.” Yes, unfortunately, they were not. Yes, you may have had to fly Spirit Airlines, yes, your boss may have told you that some of your posts weren’t on brand, and yes, you may not have had a makeup artist at the time of your appearance. Depending on their clothing choices, yes, they might not have gotten all the prizes…but if that was the worst…sorry, they probably didn’t get all the prizes. We may have forgotten what their primary role was and that was to serve as role models for women. ”
Days after Vogt announced she would step down from her position as Miss USA 2023, Miss Teen USA 2023 Umasofia Srivastava also resigned.
“After many months of thinking about this decision, I have made the choice to step down from the title of Miss Teen USA 2023. I would like to thank my family, the Secretary of State, my sister Queen, and all the fans who have supported me. I’m grateful for the support I’ve received since winning the state title. I always look back fondly on my days as Miss New Jersey Teen USA, but the experience of representing my state on a national level as a first-generation Mexican-Indian American was fulfilling in itself. ” she wrote.
