How petty can the pageant owner be?
Charging for something that used to be free is one thing, but when you block the two most recent winners on social media, you really have sunk to a new low.
Miss USA
Noelia Voigt – Miss USA 2023
UmaSofia Srivastava – Miss Teen USA
The first letter of the first 11 sentences of Voigt’s resignation statement spelled out “I am silenced.”
Recent resignations from Miss USA and Miss Teen USA have stirred controversy within the pageant community, shedding light on potential issues of misogyny at the heart of these organizations.
Noelia Voigt, the first Venezuelan American to win Miss USA, cited mental health concerns in her resignation, with observers noting a hidden message in her statement suggesting she felt silenced.
Shortly after, Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava also resigned, citing personal values no longer aligning with the pageant’s direction.
Claudia Michelle, former social media director at Miss USA, publicly criticized the organization for a toxic work environment, alleging unpaid wages and inadequate support. Miss USA has denied these accusations, calling them false.
The pageant world, known for controversies, faces scrutiny once again amid claims of workplace toxicity.
Former owner Donald Trump’s history of alleged misconduct with contestants adds to the skepticism surrounding these organizations’ treatment of women.
Despite legal reforms like the Speak Out Act aimed at curbing abuse and misuse of non-disclosure agreements, concerns persist that misogyny and silencing tactics continue to affect those within the industry.