Natalia Voigt spent the last seven years of her life inside the world of pageantry with a goal in mind: becoming Miss USA. She became the country's top beauty queen last October as the first Venezuelan American to hold the title and one of the few Latinas to do so.
This is the first time since 1957 that Miss USA has resigned, not because she won Miss Universe!
Last Sunday, she attended her first Kentucky Derby, and a few hours later, she published a message on her Instagram account that has rocked the fans of beauty contests and many Latinos to their core.
"I realize this may come as a large shock to many," Voigt wrote in the post. "Never compromise your physical and mental well-being. ... As individuals, we grow through experiencing different things in life that lead us to learn more about ourselves."
Noelia Voigt as Miss USA
Her tenure as Miss USA, although brief, was impactful. Voigt expressed profound gratitude for the experiences and support she received throughout her journey, especially from fans, family, friends, and mentors.
Voigt wrote that her favorite part of her experience as Miss USA has been working with Smile Train and being an advocate for causes like anti-bullying, dating violence prevention, and immigration rights. She also touched on her impact as the first Venezuelan-American woman to win the title.
Miss USA reacts
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 a top priority, and we understand her need to prioritize herself at this time."
The Miss USA 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," according to the statement.
According to the bylaws of Miss USA, Voight's natural successor should be First Runner Up Miss Hawaii USA, Savannah Gankiewicz. MISS USA 2024 is scheduled for Sunday, August 4
Scart theories around Noelia Voigt's resignation
Different internet detectives discovered that the first letters of her post's first 11 sentences spelled: "I AM SILENCED," though it's unclear what that means, or if it's a strange coincidence (the first letters of every sentence spelled out: "I AM SILENCED HIP".)
"I AM SILENCED" "ESTOY SILENCIADA" ¿Noelia Voigt hace uso de la criptografía en su comunicado para dar el porqué de su renuncia? pic.twitter.com/p3gsQD3w4E
— Zar Tramoyero (@zartramoyero) May 6, 2024
In the comment section of her Instagram publication there are some scathing words for the current owners of the pageant.
"You reclaimed your voice and spoke out for your own wellbeing. In doing so, you set an example and spoke on behalf of many. And that is the act of someone who is to be emulated, a true role model, with or without a crown," wrote former Miss USA president Paula Shugart.
"From the day they stripped you of your access to Miss USA social media pages, I knew something was terribly wrong. I was right all along. You have my respect. Miss USA 2023!!!," wrote Instagram user mabuhay1994
"Every Director and contestant needs to stand up and say something . Laylah Rose leads by fear and has scared or threatened them into silence . Made them sign an egregious NDA where they can't even say a word about the abuse. The harassment is undaunting. I am a crisis manager. I'm also a former titleholder," said Denise White, in reference to the new owner of the Miss Usa and Miss Teen USA organizations
What is next for Noelia Voigt?
"Deep down, I know that this is just the beginning of a new chapter for me, and my hope is that I 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 it feels uncertain," she wrote in the letter announcing her decision to resign from Miss USA.
According to the Miss USA Organization's website, Voigt's dream was "to establish her own design firm and host a TV show, where she gives back to families in need of a home makeover."
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