The winner of Miss USA is stepping down from her position and mentions her “physical and mental well-being” as the reason for her resignation.
Noelia Voigt, the first Venezuelan-American to win the Miss USA competition, acknowledged in a post on Instagram on Monday that her decision to step down may be surprising to many.
Voigt, 24, said, “In life, it's important to make decisions that are best for you and your mental health.”
While Voigt, a former Miss Utah USA title holder, mentioned that her time as the pageant’s winner was very important to her, she also stated, “Unfortunately, I have made the very tough decision to resign from the title of Miss USA 2023.”
The advocate against bullying did not give any reasons for the decision, but expressed appreciation for the opportunity she had “to make a difference.”
Representatives for the Miss USA pageant did not immediately respond to ITK’s request for comment.
The pageant, which started in 1952, celebrates “beauty, intelligence and empowerment,” as stated on its website. Before entering politics, former President Trump owned the competition from 1996 to 2015.
“I know that this is just the beginning of a new chapter for me,” Voigt said about the move, “and my hope is that I continue to inspire others to remain steadfast, prioritize 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.”
