CNN
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Miss Teen USA resigned on Wednesday, further shocking the pageant community just days after Miss USA announced it would be handing back the crown.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Miss Teen USA Umasofia Srivastava said her “personal values are no longer fully aligned with the direction of the organization.”
“After many months of agonizing over this decision, I have made the choice to decline the title of Miss Teen USA 2023,” Srivastava said in a statement on her personal account. The high school teenager from New Jersey won the contest in September and expressed pride in being the first Mexican-Indian American to play the role.
“I am looking forward to the rest of this year as I graduate 11th grade as a member of the National Honor Society and begin the college application process. ” she said. Added. She said she will continue her education and inclusion advocacy work alongside her work with the Lotus Petal Foundation and the Bridge of Books Foundation.
In response, the pageant said in an Instagram post that it respects Srivastava’s decision, considers the title holder’s well-being “a top priority” and that a successor will be named soon.
Srivastava and the Miss Universe and Miss USA organizations did not immediately respond to CNN’s requests for comment.
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Noelia Vogt took to the stage at the 72nd Miss Universe pageant held in El Salvador last November. Vogt recently stepped down from the Miss USA title.
Her resignation follows another queen relinquishing the title earlier this week.
On Monday, Noelia Voigt stepped down from the Miss USA title, citing mental health reasons. Vogt, a Venezuelan-American from Utah, said when he takes the throne in November he will work to connect with diverse communities across the United States.
“Deep down, I know this is just the beginning of a new chapter for me, and my hope is that I continue to encourage others to stay strong and maintain their mental health.” “It’s about prioritizing yourself and using your voice to advocate for yourself and others, and to continue to inspire you to never be,” she says. “Even if it feels uncertain, you’re scared of what the future holds.” posted on Instagram.
“Never put your physical or mental health at risk. Our health is our wealth,” she wrote.
Her post prompted speculation among fans that Vogt was sending a hidden message regarding a non-disclosure agreement, with the first letter of the first 11 sentences of her statement saying, “I will remain silent.” It was spelled out.
A spokesperson for the Miss USA organization told CNN in a statement on Monday that it supports Vogt’s decision to step down, saying, “The titleholder’s well-being is our top priority and we are confident that she will take responsibility for her actions in this matter.” We understand that we need to prioritize.” time. ”
The organization added that it is considering a plan to “pass on responsibilities to a successor” and will soon announce a new Miss USA.
The resignations, along with the departure of the organization’s social media director Claudia Michel last week, have raised questions among fans about the beauty pageant culture and whether aspects of it need an overhaul.
Michelle spoke more openly about alleged problems within the organization. In her Instagram post, she denies “toxic behavior or bullying of any kind in the workplace.”
Miss Universe and Miss USA did not immediately respond to CNN’s requests for comment.
Some of Vogt’s fellow Miss USA contestants said that the “vast majority” of the 2023 class supported her decision to leave, and asked the Miss USA Organization to lift Vogt’s NDA and “make sure that she was not alone.” “I asked them to be able to speak freely about their experiences,” he shared a post claiming. ”
