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Controversy is stirring in the beauty pageant industry as two title holders have stepped down from their positions citing mental health issues and misalignment with organization’s direction. Miss USA Noelia Voigt resigned seven months into her reign, making history as the first title holder in the pageant’s 72-year history to voluntarily do so. Following her, 17-year-old Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia Srivastava also quit, saying that her values no longer align with the organization’s direction.
According to insider sources, both Voigt and Srivastava had been suffering under “harmful workplace conditions” due to controlling contracts. Voigt’s resignation, in secret protest, spelled out “I AM SILENCED” using the first letter of each sentence.
Furthermore, in the resignation statement, Claudia Michelle, the Miss USA social media manager, mentioned brushing against a toxic atmosphere and bullying in the workplace. An inside source revealed that the three women chose to time their resignals and undertake this move together, though they fear potential backlash from the organization.
The controversy doesn’t stop there. Insiders claimed allegations of bullying and harassment, stating that Srivastava’s parents have denied Miss USA Organization president Laylah Rose from contacting their daughter.
Voigt’s travails seemed to begin when the promise of an apartment in Manhattan or Los Angeles by the pageant organisers wasn’t fulfilled until five months. In light of these incidents, insiders allege Laylah Rose of controlling social media posts under the names of the titleholders.
After taking over the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA licenses under the Miss Universe Organization in August 2023, Rose has come under scrutiny for her questionable conduct. In a statement, Rose stressed on the organization’s goal of celebrating and empowering women and ensures the well-being of all associated members.
The beauty pageant industry has seen a turbulent past, the memory of former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst’s shocking death in 2022 serving as a constant reminder of mental health neglect. Now, with two high-profile resignations and allegations of a toxic atmosphere, the organization finds itself under a spotlight.
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