Former Miss USA Noelia Voigt Alleges Toxic Work Environment in Resignation Letter
ICARO Media Group
Former Miss USA 2023, Noelia Voigt, has resigned from her position, citing a toxic work environment within the Miss USA organization. In an eight-page resignation letter obtained by ABC News, Voigt detailed her experiences of poor management, bullying, harassment, and feeling unsafe at events.
Voigt named Laylah Rose, the president and CEO of the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA organizations, in her letter, accusing her of being inaccessible for communication, lacking support, and allegedly slandering her. She also claimed to have been sexually harassed at the 2023 Sarasota Christmas Parade and expressed concern for the well-being of future titleholders and employees.
Voigt highlighted the toll her experience as Miss USA took on her physical and mental health, leading to an anxiety diagnosis, prescribed medication, and other treatments. She emphasized that the impacts of this mistreatment will have long-lasting effects on her well-being.
The Miss USA organization has been approached for comment regarding the allegations made in Voigt's resignation letter. Meanwhile, Voigt's decision to prioritize her mental health and step down from her duties has been supported by the organization and Laylah Rose in a joint statement on Instagram.
In the wake of Voigt's resignation, Umasofia Srivastava, Miss Teen USA 2023, also announced her resignation, stating that her personal values no longer aligned with the organization's direction.
In response to the situation, a group of Miss USA 2023 contestants released a joint statement on Instagram, expressing support for Voigt and emphasizing the importance of prioritizing mental health. They called on the Miss USA Organization to release Voigt from a confidentiality agreement, allowing her to speak freely about her experiences as Miss USA.
Meanwhile, Miss USA announced Savannah Gankiewicz, the first runner-up and Miss Hawaii USA, as the new 2023 titleholder.
Laylah Rose, in a statement to USA Today, reaffirmed the organization's commitment to celebrating and empowering women. She expressed her personal goal of inspiring women to create new dreams while maintaining integrity. Rose assured the public that the well-being of everyone associated with Miss USA is her top priority.
The Miss USA Organization now faces the task of transition and plans to announce the crowning of the new Miss USA soon.
Noelia Voigt's allegations shed light on the need for a safe and supportive work environment within beauty pageants and the importance of mental health. The situation calls for open dialogue and transparency among contestants, organizers, and the public to ensure the well-being of all participants in future competitions.