CNN
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Amid two weeks of dramatic resignations and allegations against the Miss USA organization, Miss Hawaii USA Savannah Gankiewicz, who was originally the first runner-up in the 2023 Miss USA pageant, has stepped forward to be crowned Miss USA.
“While this decision was not made lightly, I strongly believe that this opportunity was meaningful to me and I am ready to make a positive impact on this organization that I hold dear to my heart. ” said the 28-year-old. He was coronated by Hawaii Governor Josh Green at a ceremony in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Wednesday.
“I am dedicated to taking action and making a difference. My background is as a certified mental health first aid worker and I have training in bullying suicide prevention. I prioritize my own health and support those in need. I understand the importance of advocating for others. I believe real change starts from within, and I will lead by example and empower generations beyond 2024. I am determined,” she told a crowd at a Waikiki hotel with a small aquarium in the background.
Gankiewicz took over the title from Noelia Vogt, who abruptly vacated the title earlier this month. Vogt cited mental health as the reason for her resignation, but in her resignation letter to the Miss Universe organization obtained by CNN, CEO Leila Rose said she was “actively promoting a culture of fear and control”. It has been criticized for “building a
Among her claims, Miss USA management often failed to provide her with travel accommodations or “competent accommodations,” the latter of which left her alone during a Christmas parade event in Sarasota, Florida. She wrote that this led to an example in which Ms. Vogt said she was sexually harassed when she was in the US. She was in a car with an anonymous person.
The Miss Universe organization and Rose, through Miss USA, did not respond to CNN’s request for comment.
Two days after Vogt’s resignation, Miss Teen USA 2023 Umasofia Srivastava also returned her title, writing on Instagram that her values were “completely no longer aligned with the direction of the organization.” I wrote this.
Rose made her first public appearance since the controversy, but made no mention of the allegations. She welcomed Ms. Gankiewicz to the Miss USA family, saying, “Embrace this moment of impact and let your words be the power of positive change,” and thanked her corporate partners and sponsors for their “unwavering support.” I was grateful.
Rose said this year’s Miss Teen USA and Miss USA pageants will be held in Los Angeles and broadcast on the CW network.
The CW announced a multi-year deal to air the two pageants in April, but in light of recent allegations, USA Today reported on Monday that the network was “evaluating” its relationship with the Miss USA organization. .
The CW did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment.
confusion and replacement
Currently, the role of Miss Teen USA is not yet filled. New York’s Stephanie Skinner, the 2023 first runner-up, declined his coronation in a public statement on Instagram.
On Tuesday, Vogt and Srivastava’s mothers spoke on “Good Morning America” and said their daughters remain under strict contractual confidentiality agreements and cannot speak about their experiences. He said there was no.
“Their dream job turned into a nightmare,” Barbara Srivastava said. “The girls decided to retire and give up their lifelong dream of a crown or national title. Why did both girls decide to give it up?”
During her reign, her daughters were “abused, mistreated, bullied and cornered,” she added.
Miss USA and the Miss Universe Organization have not responded to multiple requests for comment from CNN.
Following Vogt’s resignation, many current Miss USA state title holders took to Instagram to express their public support, but this week, current Miss Colorado USA Arianna Lemus relinquished the title permanently. .
“My values have been compromised. Silencing women is not the definition of glamor,” she told CNN on Wednesday. “As a collective, the (Miss USA) class of 2023 came together in solidarity with Noelia, but that just wasn’t enough for me…That’s why I resigned.”
Gankiewicz will only hold the Miss USA title for a few months this summer, when a new contestant from the class of 2024 state title holders will take the national crown at the next Miss USA pageant in August. It will be done.
On Instagram, she acknowledged the limitations of her role, saying, “As I have less time as Miss USA, I want to draw attention and focus on rebuilding Lahaina, Maui.” She also looks forward to supporting the 2024 delegation as they transition into a new era of Miss USA and their journey to the crown. ”
Meanwhile, Lemus called for urgent action to protect post-2024 titleholders from restrictive contracts. Vogt’s mother, Jackelyn Vogt, told “Good Morning America” that contestants should reconsider competing.
“Look what happened to Noelia and Uma Sophia,” she said. “Now is not the time to participate.”
