Competition organizers support Miss USA Noelia Voigt’s decision today to forego the title to focus on her mental health.
In a joint statement, organizers of the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants said: “We respect and support former Miss USA Noelia Voigt’s decision to step down from her duties.” The well-being of our titleholders is our top priority and we understand that She has to put herself first during this time.”
The Miss USA Organization “is currently evaluating plans to hand over responsibilities to a successor and an announcement regarding the crowning of the new Miss USA will be made soon,” the statement said.
Voigt surprised the festival world with her announcement today – an announcement that comes as part of Mental Health Awareness Month. She joins a growing list of artists, celebrities and athletes who have publicly cited mental health issues as the reason for their mostly temporary retirement from their careers.
In her statement today, which she posted on Instagram (read it in full below), Voigt wrote, in part: “Deep down, I know that this is just the beginning of a new chapter for me, and I hope to continue to help others “Stay resilient, value your mental health, use your voice to advocate for yourself and others, and don’t be afraid of what the future holds, even if it seems uncertain.”
In a caption alongside the statement, she wrote: “I realize this may come as a huge shock to many. Never compromise your physical and mental well-being. Our health is our wealth. Thank you all for your constant and unwavering support. Time to write the next chapter. I hope you stick around to see what’s next.”
Voigt, 24, was crowned Miss USA on September 29, 2023. The Venezuelan-American candidate represented the state of Utah and has since made dating violence education and prevention, mental health, anti-bullying and immigration issues her top concerns. She has been participating in beauty pageants for seven years.
Voigt joins other celebrities who have publicly chosen to prioritize their mental health. This list includes, among others, singer Shawn Mendes, who canceled part of a tour in 2022, stating: “The truth is that I am overwhelmed and overstimulated”; Actor Kit Harington, who said he took some time off after experiencing mental health issues towards the end and afterwards game of Thrones; and gymnasts Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas; professional basketball player Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets; And Spider-Man Actor Tom Holland, who cited his mental health as a reason for his withdrawal from social media.