Miss Hawaii, Savannah Gankiewicz, has faced a wave of cyberbullying since being crowned Miss USA following the resignation of the original winner. Gankiewicz addressed the issue during a speech to Lahaina wildfire victims, expressing how the hurtful comments on social media have affected her. Despite the backlash, Gankiewicz remains strong and is determined to use her platform to inspire young women to stand up against bullying and continue using their voices.
The online bullying directed at Gankiewicz has become so severe that it even reached her mother’s social media channels, with one person making a violent threat against her daughter. Despite these attacks, Gankiewicz is choosing to focus on her responsibilities as Miss USA and help the community of Lahaina during her remaining five months as the reigning queen. She is determined to use her position to make a positive impact and show resilience in the face of adversity.
Gankiewicz’s acceptance of the Miss USA title came after the previous winner, Noelia Voigt, resigned to prioritize her mental health. This marked the first time in the pageant’s history that a titleholder voluntarily relinquished the crown. The situation became more complicated when Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava also resigned, with sources suggesting that bullying by management may have played a role in these decisions. There are calls for intervention at the leadership level to address the toxic atmosphere within the organization.
Gankiewicz has emphasized that her decision to accept the Miss USA title was not taken lightly and that she respects and wishes the best for the previous winner, Noelia Voigt. She plans to use her platform to help rebuild Lahaina on her home island of Maui and make a positive impact during her time as Miss USA. Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the Miss USA organization, Gankiewicz is determined to stay focused on her goals and use her voice to advocate for important causes.
The Miss USA organization has faced controversy in the past, including allegations of rigging the competition by contestants in 2022 and accusations of inappropriate behavior by former president Crystle Stewart’s husband, Max Sebrechts, in 2023. These incidents have raised concerns about the leadership and culture within the organization. Gankiewicz’s experience of cyberbullying highlights the importance of addressing toxic behavior and creating a safe and respectful environment for participants in pageants.
Overall, Gankiewicz’s resilience in the face of online bullying and her commitment to using her platform for good serve as an inspiration to young women. Despite the challenges she has faced since being crowned Miss USA, she remains focused on her goals and determined to make a positive impact in her community. The controversies within the Miss USA organization underscore the need for transparency, accountability, and a culture of respect and support for all participants. Gankiewicz’s story highlights the importance of standing up against bullying and using one’s voice to create positive change.
