Miss USA Savannah Gankiewicz, who was crowned as Miss USA 2023 last month, has revealed that she has been subjected to death threats and hateful messages since assuming the crown amidst the controversy surrounding the resignation of her predecessor, Noelia Voigt. Gankiewicz spoke out about the backlash she has faced in an emotional video shared on X.

Expressing her heartbreak, the 28-year-old beauty queen addressed the bullying and harassment she has endured since becoming Miss USA. Despite the challenges she has faced, Gankiewicz remains determined to use her platform to help the residents of Lahaina and Maui and inspire young women to persevere in the face of adversity.

Noelia Voigt announced her resignation on May 6, citing the need to focus on her mental health. However, NBC News obtained a copy of Voigt's resignation letter, in which she accused the Miss USA organization's CEO, Laylah Rose, of fostering a toxic work environment and failing to address a sexual harassment incident she reported.

Voigt alleged that Rose exhibited poor management, engaged in bullying and harassment, and even threatened to withhold her salary without proper discussion. Furthermore, Voigt claimed that Rose dismissed her concerns about a man making inappropriate comments, suggesting it was an inevitable aspect of her role as a public figure.

In response, Laylah Rose issued a statement affirming her commitment to the well-being of all individuals associated with Miss USA and promising to take the allegations seriously.

Following Voigt's resignation, Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava, 17, also stepped down from her position. Additionally, Claudia Michelle, the social media manager for Miss USA, resigned amidst the controversy.

With empathy for her fellow titleholders, Gankiewicz expressed her belief that accepting the crown was the right decision for her community and her state. She will hold the Miss USA title until August, when a new Miss USA will be crowned at the upcoming pageant.

The harassment faced by Miss USA Savannah Gankiewicz serves as a reminder of the challenges and pressures faced by individuals in the public eye. It highlights the need for organizations to foster a supportive and safe environment for their employees and contestants.

As the investigation into the allegations against the Miss USA organization's CEO continues, the pageant world awaits the future developments and hopes for a fair and just resolution.