Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava made the decision to step down from her position on Wednesday, following in the footsteps of Miss USA Noelia Voigt who also recently relinquished her crown.
On Sunday, Stephanie Skinner, the first runner-up of Miss Teen USA, announced that she would not be participating in the upcoming teen pageant.
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- 1 Stephanie Skinner declined the title of Miss Teen USA
- 2 Several people have resigned from positions in Miss USA in recent days
Business Insider reached out to Miss USA for comment, but a response has not been received at this time.
Stephanie Skinner declined the title of Miss Teen USA
In a conversation with Business Insider, Skinner emphasized that her decision was heavily influenced by her personal integrity and character.
“I will never compromise my character or integrity,” she declared. “Therefore, despite recent events and my commitment to the university’s global research program this summer, I had to turn down the role. I believe this decision aligns with my values and embodies my moral principles.”
“I am a staunch advocate for female empowerment, and I strongly believe that actions speak louder than words,” Skinner expressed to BI. “Therefore, even though it breaks my heart, I have come to accept that the opportunity to become Miss Teen USA is no longer available to me. I believe that chapter of my life closed the night of the pageant finale.”
Skinner expressed her ongoing aspiration to attain a national pageant title in the future, although she clarified that it will not be Miss Teen USA.
Srivastava expressed deep gratitude for the friendship, stating, “I am incredibly thankful to have you as my friend. Your unwavering commitment and strong moral values never fail to impress me.”
Several people have resigned from positions in Miss USA in recent days
When Voigt decided to give up her crown on May 6, she publicly spoke about her mental health struggles on Instagram. This marked a significant moment in the pageant’s 72-year history, as she became the first Miss USA to voluntarily resign.
In her Instagram statement about her resignation, Srivastava mentioned that her personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization, leading her to follow suit two days later.
In addition to the resignations of the titleholders, Claudia Michelle, who served as the social-media manager for Miss USA, also stepped down. In an Instagram post on May 3, she expressed her concern for the mental health and happiness of Noelia and Uma, stating that she could not stay silent about it.
Miss Colorado Arianna Lemus made the selfless decision to relinquish her title on Friday in solidarity with Srivastava and Voigt.
“I believe that many women tend to overlook their own power, but organizations like Miss USA serve as a reminder of just how influential women can be,” Lemus shared in an interview with Business Insider’s Anneta Konstantinides. “That is the message I want to convey today. I stand in solidarity with my fellow sisters and against the injustice of silencing their voices. Therefore, I have made the decision to resign my title in order to speak my truth and advocate for those who are unable to speak up.”
In a statement to BI, Miss USA emphasized that the well-being of their titleholders is of utmost importance. They acknowledged Voigt’s decision to prioritize herself during this time.
According to the statement, the organization is currently reviewing plans for the transition of responsibilities to a successor. An announcement regarding the crowning of the new Miss USA will be made soon.
In an exciting update on Thursday, the organization shared their joy by announcing that Miss Hawaii USA Savannah Gankiewicz has been crowned as Miss USA 2023. The announcement was made through a statement posted on Instagram.
