Miss USA Noelia Voigt competes in the national costume competition at the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in San Salvador, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. The reigning winners of Miss USA, Noelia Voigt, and Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia Srivastava, handed back their crowns within days of each other this week in a shock to the Miss Universe Organization, which runs both.
Miss USA, Noelia Voigt, and Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia Srivastava, resigned from their titles in close succession, leaving the Miss Universe Organization without top holders for the first time in 72 years.
Their departures shed light on the pageant's practices, prompting calls for transparency. Voigt, the first Venezuelan American crowned in September 2023, described relinquishing her title as a "very tough decision," emphasizing the importance of prioritizing mental health and advocating for oneself.
In response, the Miss USA Organization expressed respect for Voigt's decision and is in the process of transitioning responsibilities to a successor. Srivastava, also crowned in September 2023, cited a misalignment of personal values with the organization's direction in her resignation announcement.
Despite the unexpected endings to their reigns, both former titleholders expressed gratitude for the experience and their supporters. The Miss Universe Organization, overseeing both pageants, did not comment on Srivastava's resignation.
