Although Noelia Voigt no longer wears a crown, she carries an important torch.
The Miss USA 2023, who announced her resignation from her position just days ago, responded to the backlash she received during her reign People‘S “Celebrating 50 Years” exhibition in New York City.
The 24-year-old remarked People She said she was “overwhelmed” and “grateful” for the public support and vowed to always advocate for mental health.
“The fact that I’ve been able to bring light to the darkness and be someone that people can look up to in that sense and let people know,” she said, “that if something isn’t good.” For “If it’s okay for you to step away from it, then I’m grateful to be that lighthouse for people.”
Seven months after being crowned Miss USA, Voigt shockingly announced her retirement.
“In life, I value making decisions that feel best for you and your mental health,” she began her lengthy statement on social media. “As individuals, we grow by experiencing different things in life that lead us to learn more about ourselves.”
Voigt concluded her message by saying, “Deep down, I know this is just the beginning of a new chapter for me, and I hope to continue to inspire others to stand firm, prioritize your mental health, and advocate for yourself to advocate for yourself and others by using your voice and never be afraid of what the future holds, even if it feels uncertain.
Although she didn’t elaborate on what led her to resign, Voigt repeatedly referenced mental health in her announcement. “Never jeopardize your physical and mental well-being,” she wrote in her Instagram caption. “Our health is our wealth.”
The Miss USA Organization issued a statement regarding her resignation, saying: “We respect and support former Miss USA Noelia Voigt’s decision to step down from her duties. The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority and we understand that she feels this is necessary.” The organization is currently reviewing plans to hand over responsibilities to a successor and an announcement regarding the crowning of the new Miss USA will be made shortly.
This successor has has since been announced as Savannah Gankiewiczwho originally took first runner-up place in the Miss USA pageant as Miss Hawaii.
Meanwhile, after Voigt’s resignation – as well Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava resigns two days later — Members of the Miss USA 2023 class issued a joint statement She called on the organization to release Voigt from the confidentiality clause of her contract “so that she can speak freely about her experiences and her time as Miss USA.”
“I think the most important thing is transparency – transparency on both sides,” Josie Nicole Stephens, Miss Nevada USA 2023, told ET. “I want to hear from the organization. I want to hear her story too.” [allow] Noelia and UmaSofia have the opportunity to tell their story.”
“We need full transparency, especially for the women who come after us,” she continued. “They need to know exactly what situation they’re getting into, what situation they’re getting themselves into.”
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