Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt Resigns from Title, Citing Her Mental Health
Miss USA Noelia Voigt has resigned after just seven months, citing her mental health.
The 24-year-old revealed the news in an Instagram post on Monday morning.
“Never compromise your physical and mental well-being. Our health is our wealth,” Voigt captioned the social media message, shared just as Mental Health Awareness Month commenced.
“My journey as Miss USA has been incredibly meaningful, representing Utah with pride, and later the USA at Miss Universe (held in November). Sadly, I have made the very tough decision to resign from the title of Miss USA 2023.” Voigt was crowned the 72nd Miss USA winner in Reno, Nevada, on Sept. 23, 2023, becoming the first Venezuelan-American woman to win the title.
She has previously spoken about being bullied as a teenager when she first began competing in pageants at 16.
“I was so excited when I won that local pageant, and it was actually my ex-best friend who was the ringleader of it all,” Voigt told Business Insider. “I was really hurt and confused as to why people I thought were my friends were making fun of me for doing something that I was really excited about and that I was doing good things with.
“At first, it really did sting,” she said. “But it was clear to me that it was an attempt to steal the joy I had from this accomplishment.” This experience motivated her to advocate against bullying in her pageant work and author an anti-bullying children’s book titled “Maddie the BRAVE.”
Before competing in Miss USA, Voigt pursued interior design at the University of Alabama and aspires to open her own design firm and host a TV show where she can assist families in need of a home makeover, according to the Miss USA website.
“Eternal gratitude fills my heart when I think about the platform I was given to make a difference, the feeling of achieving a lifelong dream, and connecting with people all over the world, just as I said I would do on the Miss USA stage,” she added. “Deep down, I know that this is just the beginning of a new chapter for me, and my hope is that I continue to inspire others to remain steadfast, prioritize their mental health, advocate for themselves and others by using their voice, and never be afraid of what the future holds, even if it feels uncertain,” Voigt expressed.
She concluded her heartfelt post: “How I wish I could hug all of you. I love you all with all of my heart and always will. Peace and love, always.”
The Miss USA organization expressed their support for Voigt in an Instagram post and official statement. “We respect and support former Miss USA Noelia Voigt’s decision to step down from her duties,” the organization told The Post, which has reached out for further comment.
“The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority, and we understand her need to prioritize herself at this time. The organization is currently reviewing plans for the transition of responsibilities to a successor, and an announcement regarding the crowning of the new Miss USA will be coming soon.”
According to the rules, the Miss USA 2023 crown is expected to be offered to the first runner-up, Miss Wisconsin USA Alexis Loomans.
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