Miss Teen USA Resigns Following Miss USA’s Departure Amidst Mental Health Concerns
UmaSofia Srivastava, the reigning Miss Teen USA, has announced her resignation from the title just days after Miss USA Noelia Voigt stepped down. Srivastava revealed her decision on Instagram, citing a misalignment of personal values with the pageant organization as the reason for her departure.
In a statement shared on social media, Srivastava expressed gratitude for her time as Miss NJ Teen USA and reflected on the fulfillment of representing her state as a first-generation Mexican-Indian American at the national level. However, she explained that her personal values no longer fully aligned with the direction of the organization, leading to her resignation.
The Miss Teen USA organization has expressed support for Srivastava’s decision and announced plans to name a successor. The resignation comes amidst ongoing concerns about the well-being of pageant contestants, particularly regarding mental health.
Srivastava’s departure follows Noelia Voigt’s recent resignation from the Miss USA title, where Voigt cited mental health struggles as the reason for her departure. Additionally, Claudia Michelle, the social media director for Miss USA, announced her exit from the brand, alleging workplace toxicity and bullying.
The Miss USA organization has responded to these allegations, stating its commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all titleholders. However, concerns about the treatment of contestants have surfaced in the past, including allegations of contest rigging and sexual harassment.
As the pageant world grapples with these challenges, the resignations of Srivastava and Voigt underscore the importance of prioritizing mental health and creating a supportive environment for all participants.
