After Miss Teen USA stepped down, the runner-up says she doesn’t want the crown either

After Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia Srivastava, stepped down last week, the runner-up — Miss Teen New York, Stephanie Skinner (above, center) — said that she doesn’t want the crown either.

After UmaSofia Srivastava stepped down from Miss Teen USA, the runner-up, Stephanie Skinner, has also declined the crown. Skinner, 19, from New Hartford, New York, said that given the circumstances, she felt it wasn't right to accept the title. This decision comes amid a wave of resignations and controversies within the Miss USA Organization.

Srivastava, 17, and Miss USA Noelia Voigt, 24, both relinquished their titles recently, citing reasons related to personal values and mental health. Claudia Michelle, the organization's social media manager, also resigned. Reports suggest that these decisions were influenced by alleged bullying from the organization's CEO, Laylah Rose.

“I didn’t feel like it was the right decision considering all the circumstances," Skinner (right, with winner Srivastava) said.

Skinner, a junior at the Wharton School, voiced her commitment to female empowerment and integrity, stating that her principles outweigh any crown. Despite the difficulty in turning down the title, especially after years of dedication to pageantry, Skinner emphasized the importance of standing by her beliefs.

Regarding the turmoil within the organization, The CW Network is reevaluating its relationship with the pageants. Internally, there's division over supporting Voigt and Srivastava's actions, indicating a broader crisis within the Miss USA organization.

Skinner said she couldn't accept the Miss Teen USA title after scandals came to light at the Miss USA organization, adding, "My integrity and my character will always come before crowns.”

Savannah Gankiewicz, Miss Hawaii, will assume the role of Miss USA, succeeding Voigt. While Gankiewicz expressed admiration for Voigt's decision to prioritize mental health, fans and commentators have expressed disappointment and skepticism about the organization's future.

The decision to stand down from the Miss Teen USA title wasn't easy for Skinner, who said she's been working at the title since she was 12.

Gankiewicz faced backlash, prompting her mother to defend her on social media, highlighting the challenges and pressures faced by contestants beyond public scrutiny.

The situation also revealed alleged micromanagement and harassment within the organization, raising concerns about the treatment of participants and the overall culture.

Skinner told fans on Instagram Saturday: "In light of recent events, I have decided to decline the title of Miss Teen USA."