Reigning Miss USA Noelia Voigt has resigned from her title, citing mental health challenges. She won the annual competition last September and expressed her appreciation for her brief reign as Miss USA.
She added that she believed in making decisions “that feel best for you and your mental health.” “Never compromise your physical and mental well-being,” she wrote on her Instagram handle. “Our health is our wealth.”
While supporting her decision, the Miss USA organisation thanked Ms Voigt and said on Instagram, “The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority.” It said it would announce a successor soon.
Ms Voigt resigned a few days after Miss USA’s social media director, Claudia Michelle, left the brand. Michelle cited alleged “workplace toxicity and bullying” and said that titleholders “should be heard and not silenced.”
Although health professionals have commended her decision to step down, fans are speculating about her motivation for renouncing her crown just over seven months into the role.
The 24-year-old, Florida-born Venezuelan-American became only the second model representing Utah to win the event. said that she hoped to “continue to inspire others” as she began “a new chapter” in life.
“Prioritise 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,” she said.
Hawaii’s Savannah Gankiewicz was the runner-up in last year’s competition and reports say she has already been offered the title.