Noelia Voigt, who was topped Miss USA in September, mentioned on Monday that she was stepping down from the function to prioritize her psychological well being.
Ms. Voigt, who represented Utah within the 2023 pageant in Reno, Nev., mentioned in an announcement on Instagram that resigning was “a troublesome determination.”
“In life, I strongly worth the significance of constructing choices that really feel greatest for you and your psychological well being,” she mentioned.
Ms. Voigt, who was born in Florida, mentioned that she was the primary Venezuelan-American girl to win Miss USA, which began in 1952. Because the winner, Ms. Voigt went on to compete within the Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador in November. She positioned within the high 20, and for the costume competitors, she wore an outfit that featured small fashions of landmarks together with the Statue of Liberty, the Washington Monument and the White Home.
Her shock resignation prompted questions amongst pageant followers, together with those that observed that the primary letters of the primary 11 sentences in Ms. Voigt’s assertion spelled: “I’m silenced.” (The primary letters of the ultimate three sentences spell “hip.”)
Ms. Voigt and Miss USA didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark.
In an announcement on the Miss USA Instagram account, the group mentioned it revered and supported Ms. Voigt’s determination to step down.
“The well-being of our titleholders is a high precedence, and we perceive her must prioritize herself right now,” the assertion mentioned of Ms. Voigt. “We’re presently reviewing plans for the transition of obligations to a successor, and we are going to quickly announce the crowning of the brand new Miss USA.”
The primary runner-up at Miss USA 2023 was Savannah Gankiewicz, Miss Hawaii USA. The three different runners-up have been from Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Texas.
Alexis Loomans, Miss Wisconsin USA, posted a photograph with Ms. Voigt in an Instagram story and wrote “standing with you and for you.”
Ms. Voigt mentioned in her assertion that her favourite components of being Miss USA included working with Smile Practice, a nonprofit that helps individuals with cleft palates, and campaigning in opposition to bullying and in favor of immigrant rights.
“Deep down I do know that that is only the start of a brand new chapter for me,” she wrote, “and my hope is that I proceed to encourage others to stay steadfast, prioritize your psychological well being, advocate for your self and others by utilizing your voice, and by no means be afraid of what the long run holds, even when it feels unsure.”
