CELEBRITY
Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava Resigns Just Days After Miss USA Resignation
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Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava resigned her position on Wednesday just two days after Miss USA Noelia Voigt resigned for her mental health.
Srivastava said in an Instagram post on Wednesday that she had been grappling with this decision for months. She was crowned on Sept. 28, 2023.
After careful consideration, I’ve decided to resign as I find that my personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization, she wrote.
The 17-year-old from New Jersey said she looks forward to completing her 11th grade school year as part of the National Honor Society and beginning the college application process, knowing that my academic career has been defined by my hard work, and my hard work alone.
The news follows rumblings of unrest within the organization, and rumors that both pageant winners had been barred from posting on the official Miss USA Organization social media accounts. Before Srivastava and Voigt resigned, Miss USA social media manager Claudia Michelle resigned on May 3.
I feel the way current management speaks about their titleholders is unprofessional and inappropriate; I disavow workplace toxicity and bullying of any kind, Michelle wrote of her decision.
Miss USA President and CEO Laylah Rose took over Miss USA and Miss Teen USA in August 2023, after the Miss Universe Organization was bought in 2022 by Thai businesswoman Anne Jakkaphongs JKN Global Group, which has since declared bankruptcy.
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, Voigt wrote in her resignation announcement.
Online sleuths were quick to point out that the first letter of each sentence in Voigt’s resignation spelled out I am silenced.
In a statement to USA Today, the Miss USA Organization said it was troubled to hear the false accusations made by a former employee.
Miss USA is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment, and we take these allegations seriously, the organization told the outlet. Indeed, we have and will continue to prioritize the well-being of all individuals involved with Miss USA.
TMX contributed to this article.
