The mothers of the former Miss USA and Miss Teen USA are speaking out about why their daughters stepped down from their titles, revealing a troubling behind-the-scenes story.
Key Points:
- Unexpected Nightmare: One mother shared on a US morning news show that "the job of their dreams turned out to be a nightmare."
- Resignations: Both pageant queens resigned just one day apart last week.
- Support from Pageant: Miss USA and Miss Teen USA organizations expressed support for the titleholders' decision and announced plans to appoint successors.
- Miss Universe's Silence: Miss Universe, which oversees the sister pageants, has not addressed the allegations of abuse and bullying. The BBC has contacted them for comment.
On ABC's Good Morning America, the mothers of Noelia Voigt, former Miss USA, and UmaSofia Srivastava, former Miss Teen USA, spoke out on behalf of their daughters, who are bound by non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Barbara Srivastava, UmaSofia’s mother, and Jackeline Voigt, Noelia’s mother, said their families "could not continue this charade." They alleged their daughters were "ill-treated, abused, bullied, and cornered," and demanded an apology from the Miss Universe Organization.
Noelia Voigt was the first to resign on May 6, citing mental health struggles. "Never compromise your physical and mental well-being," the 24-year-old wrote on Instagram. "Our health is our wealth." Fans speculated her post spelled out "I am silenced" in the first 11 sentences. Her mother hinted that the cryptic message was intentional, stating her daughter had been silenced by the organization and would remain so if the NDA was not lifted.
Just a day after Noelia Voigt’s resignation, UmaSofia Srivastava also stepped down from her title as Miss Teen USA. The 17-year-old announced her decision on Instagram, mentioning that her "personal values no longer fully align" with the pageant organization. Her mother revealed that UmaSofia’s resignation was influenced by Noelia’s exit and that her daughter's social media was being surveilled by the Miss Universe Organization.
The mothers urged for an end to participation in all Miss USA-affiliated pageants, hoping to prevent others from experiencing similar mistreatment. The Miss Teen USA runner-up, Stephanie Skinner, also chose to decline the crown, stating she stood "in solidarity and standing up for female empowerment." She emphasized, "My integrity and my character will always come before crowns."
Noelia Voigt’s resignation followed closely on the heels of Claudia Michelle, Miss USA's social media director, who resigned three days earlier, citing "workplace toxicity and bullying" and asserting that titleholders "should be heard and not silenced."
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