MIAMI - In an unprecedented event, the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA titles are currently vacant, the first time in the pageant's 72-year history that such a scenario takes place. This development follows the resignations of 2023 titleholders Noelia Voigt and UmaSofia Srivastava, who stepped down in a few days' span.
Venezuelan American Voigt, now-former 2023 Miss USA, cited "mental health reasons" for her departure earlier this week. Shortly after, Mexican Indian American Srivastava, Miss Teen USA, also resigned, delivering a short statement regarding her departure.
"I am resigning because my personal values no longer align with the direction of the organization," said the 17.year-old, whowas crowned last October.
Srivastava's exit has sparked a significant uproar within the U.S. beauty pageant community, leading to calls for an investigation. Critics are also questioning the impact of the pageant's new leadership on its direction and values.
Miss Teen USA resigns
In her message saying goodbye to her crown, Srivastava revealed that she had been "grappling with this decision" for several days. "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," she added.
@miss_thailand88 เกิดอะไรขึ้นกับองค์กร!!! Miss USA และ Miss Teen USA 🇺🇸✨ Noelia และ UmaSofia ประกาศลาออกจากตำแหน่งทั้งคู่ 🥲 #missusa #missusa2023 #missteenusa #missteenusa2023 #noeliavoigt #umasofiasrivastava #missuniverse #missuniverse2023 #miss_thailand88
♬ Nah Id pass - LordAizen
"I am grateful for all the support from my family, my state directors, my sister queens, and the fans who have cheered me on since I won my state title. I will always look back on my time as Miss NJ Teen USA fondly, and the experience of representing my state as a first generation, Mexican-Indian American at the national level was fulfilling in itself," UmaSofia Srivastava wrote. She didn't mention or thank the Miss Teen USA organization.
"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," she continued.
Who is UmaSofía Srivastava?
The former Miss Teen USA was the first Mexican-Indian queen of the pageant, hailing from Miss New Jersey Teen USA, and hopes to become a UN ambassador.
According to her bio, still on the Miss USA Teen website, Srivastava works with the Lotus Petal Foundation to help underprivileged children in India receive a well rounded education, proper nutrition, and healthcare. UmaSofia also collected over 1,000 books for the Bridge of Books Foundation to donate to inner-city kids in New Jersey."
She also authored and illustrated her book, The White Jaguar, to inspire people of all ages to embrace what makes them unique. Throughout the book, there are four languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, and French, all of which she speaks.
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