The first runner-up for Miss Teen USA has declined her chance at the crown after last year’s winner abruptly quit earlier this month.
UmaSofia Srivastava, Miss Teen USA, abdicated the kingdom eight months into her reign, and Noelia Voigt, Miss USA 2023, announced her resignation two days later.
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Ms. Srivastava stated on Instagram that her “personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.”.
She stated, “After months of deliberation, I have decided to quit as Miss Teen USA 2023. I am grateful for my family’s and state directors’ assistance. I am deeply grateful to my sister queens and the supporters who have stood by me ever since I won the state championship.
In September, Ms. Srivastava became the first Mexican-Indian Miss Teen USA.
Ms. Voigt gave up her title prior to the announcement, stating, “Never compromise your physical and mental well-being.”.
The women purportedly relinquished their crowns due to allegations of unprofessional behavior, workplace bullying, and harassment by management.
Ms. Srivastava’s resignation prompted the organization to ask Miss New York Teen USA Stephanie Skinner, who had lost to Ms. Srivastava, about taking over the crown.
In an Instagram post, the 19-year-old, a junior at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, stated that she had turned down the offer.
“Since I was 12 years old, I have put every ounce of my being to work towards my dream of earning an esteemed national title and the platform to do good that comes with it,” wrote Skinner.
“I’ve relentlessly fought for years to achieve this aim, never accepting anything in life as a given.” The door to becoming Miss Teen USA 2023 closed on September 28, 2023, when I received the titles of first runner-up for the national title and overall best interview.
Ms. Skinner stated that her recent undertakings, such as writing her own children’s book, Holding Hands With Hope, and cooperating with New York City Mayor Eric Adams, had taught her the “true importance of what it means to serve in the best interests of others.”.
She expressed gratitude for her Miss Teen USA experience, which allowed her to participate in advocacy activities.
“I will always prioritize my role as a titleholder and as an advocate for positive change,” she stated, adding that declining the title of Miss Teen USA 2023 “was not an easy decision.”.
Ms. Skinner stated that she had previously committed to a global research opportunity in Thailand, which would require her to live overseas this summer. She also stated that she had no idea why the other two titleholders resigned.
“I believe this is the right decision to make,” she stated.
