The resignation of Miss USA, Noelia Voigt, this week brought to light allegations of a toxic work environment within the Miss USA Organization, as detailed in an internal resignation letter obtained by The New York Times. Voigt described poor management, bullying, and harassment within the organization, as well as delays in receiving her prize winnings. Her departure also prompted resignations from Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava and former Miss Colorado USA Arianna Lemus, who resigned in solidarity with Voigt. Speculation arose that winners are restricted from speaking openly about their experiences, leading to calls for Voigt to be released from any nondisclosure agreements.
In her resignation letter, Voigt revealed that she experienced sexual harassment at a Christmas parade in Sarasota, Florida, and that the organization failed to support her when she reported the incident. She also shared that her time as Miss USA had taken a toll on her mental health, causing anxiety and physical symptoms like heart palpitations, body shakes, and hair loss. Some believe there was a hidden message in Voigt’s resignation announcement, as the first letter of each of the first 11 sentences spelled out the phrase “I AM SILENCED,” potentially indicating her inability to speak openly about her experiences.
Following Voigt’s resignation, Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava also stepped down, citing a misalignment of personal values with the organization’s direction. Laylah Rose, the president and CEO of the Miss USA Organization, expressed a commitment to providing helpful steps in response to the resignations and reiterated the organization’s goal of celebrating and empowering women. Both Voigt and Srivastava declined to comment, citing nondisclosure agreements outlined in the 2023 Miss USA contract.
Several of Voigt’s fellow Miss USA 2023 competitors banded together to demand that the Miss USA Organization release her from any agreements restricting her speech. Former social media director for Miss USA, Claudia Michelle Engelhardt, shared her experience of feeling pressured to sign the contract without legal representation, likening it to being held hostage. Morehouse highlighted the rushed nature of the contract signing process, pointing out that the 2023 participants were not aware of such strict nondisclosure agreements in previous years, emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness in the organization.
While Lemus acknowledged the positive aspects of her experience with Miss USA, she noted the irony in an organization that promotes women’s empowerment seemingly restricting the speech of its participants. The resignations of Voigt, Srivastava, and others have brought attention to the broader issues within the pageant world and created a platform for individuals to speak out against unfair practices and advocate for a more supportive and empowering environment for all participants. As the allegations are taken seriously by the Miss USA Organization, the voices of former participants play a crucial role in shaping the future of the organization and ensuring a more equitable and transparent experience for all involved.
