UmaSofia Srivastava, Miss Teen USA, steps down from her title just days after the resignation of Miss USA.
Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava announced her resignation on Wednesday, just two days after Miss USA revealed her decision to step down and relinquish her crown. In a post on Instagram, the 17-year-old stated, “After careful consideration, I’ve decided to resign as I find that my personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.” She expressed gratitude to her family, state directors, fellow queens, and supporters who had cheered her on since she won her state title. Reflecting on her tenure as Miss NJ Teen USA, she highlighted the fulfilling experience of representing her state as a first-generation Mexican-Indian American at the national level.
Srivastava’s resignation coincides with Noelia Voigt’s decision to surrender her Miss USA crown due to mental health concerns. Last week, Claudia Michelle, the social media director for the Miss USA organization, announced her resignation on Instagram, citing observed declines in Voigt’s mental health and instances of disrespect toward Srivastava and her family.
In response to these events, Laylah Rose, CEO and president of the Miss USA organization, emphasized her commitment to prioritizing the well-being of all individuals associated with Miss USA. She acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations without specifying them and reaffirmed her dedication to inspiring women to pursue their dreams with integrity. Srivastava expressed her intention to continue advocating for education and acceptance, citing the positive feedback she received for her children’s book, “The White Jaguar.” She emphasized her true purpose in this work and looked forward to completing her junior year of high school and applying to colleges.
Voigt, in her resignation announcement, encouraged others to prioritize their mental health and advocate for themselves. The Miss USA organization expressed respect for Voigt’s decision and assured the public of their support during this transition period. Plans for the transition of responsibilities to a successor are currently under review, with an announcement expected soon.