Entertainment

/

ArcaMax

Miss Teen USA resigns -- days after Miss USA does the same -- alleging 'workplace toxicity'

Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times on

Published in Entertainment News

After Miss USA Noelia Voigt resigned Monday just seven months since winning her crown, Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava has also quit, saying Wednesday that her personal values "no longer fully align with the direction" of the Miss USA Organization.

The 17-year-old former Miss New Jersey Teen USA did not elaborate, but said she will "continue relentless advocacy for education and acceptance" through her children's book, "The White Jaguar." Srivastava said her work involving the book has always been her "TRUE purpose."

"While this was certainly not how I saw my reign coming to a close, I am excited to continue my advocacy for education and acceptance, start applying to colleges, and share some exciting new projects on That's Fan Behavior with those of you who plan to stick around," the 11th-grader wrote on Instagram, noting that she is a first-generation, Mexican Indian American. "At the end of the day, I am so lucky to have had the privilege of this experience, but if this is just a chapter, I know that the story of my life will truly be incredible."

Srivastava's resignation comes in the wake of a report that she and Voigt were bullied by the organization and allegations of "workplace toxicity and bullying" last week from an employee as she resigned. Representatives for the Miss USA Organization did not immediately respond Thursday to The Times' request for comment on Srivastava's resignation or on allegations about workplace issues.

Voigt announced her abdication Monday on Instagram, citing mental health concerns for her decision. She is the first title holder in the pageant's 72-year history to voluntarily step down. And in her statement, she recognized her "darling beloved Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia."

"Lifelong friendships and connections that I had the opportunity to make along the way while attending different events, and competing at state pageants, Miss USA, and Miss Universe are invaluable things I will be forever grateful for," she said, adding that her favorite parts of being Miss USA were working with the Smile Train cleft-palate nonprofit and being a fervent advocate for anti-bullying, dating-violence awareness and prevention, immigration rights and reform, and shedding light on her roots as the first Venezuelan American woman to win Miss USA.

 

"Never compromise your physical and mental well-being. Our health is our wealth," the 24-year-old captioned the message, which was posted just days after the start of Mental Health Awareness Month. "My journey as Miss USA has been incredibly meaningful, representing Utah with pride, and later the USA at Miss Universe (held in November). Sadly, I have made the very tough decision to resign from the title of Miss USA 2023."

The former Miss Utah did not get into specifics about her departure, but added that she hopes to continue to inspire others "to remain steadfast, prioritize your mental health, advocate for yourself and others by using your voice, and never be afraid of what the future holds, even if feels uncertain."

The Miss USA Organization said Monday that it respects and supports Voigt's decision to step down from her duties.

"The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority, and we understand her need to prioritize herself at this time," the organization said in a statement to The Times. "The organization is currently reviewing plans for the transition of responsibilities to a successor and an announcement regarding the crowning of the new Miss USA will be coming soon."

...continued

swipe to next page

©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Comments

blog comments powered by Disqus