Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia Srivastava, announced her resignation on Wednesday, following in the footsteps of Miss USA, Noelia Voigt, who also stepped down earlier this week. Srivastava, 17, took to Instagram to share her decision, stating that her personal values no longer fully align with the organization’s direction.
In her post, Srivastava expressed gratitude for the support she received from her family, state directors, sister queens, and fans. She reflected on her time as Miss NJ Teen USA, highlighting the fulfillment she felt representing her state as a first-generation Mexican-Indian American on a national level.
The recent resignations within the Miss USA organization have raised concerns about the well-being of its members. Claudia Michelle, the social media director, cited workplace toxicity and bullying as reasons for her departure, while Voigt mentioned prioritizing her mental health in her resignation announcement.
Laylah Rose, CEO and president of the Miss USA organization, emphasized that the well-being of all individuals associated with the pageant is her top priority. She stated her commitment to inspiring women to pursue their dreams with integrity and addressed the allegations of workplace misconduct without providing further details.
Srivastava, known for her advocacy for education and acceptance, mentioned her children’s book, “The White Jaguar,” as her true purpose. She expressed gratitude for the support she has received and shared her plans to finish high school and apply to colleges.
As the Miss USA organization navigates these resignations, they are reviewing plans for the transition of responsibilities to a successor. The pageant expressed support for Voigt’s decision to prioritize her well-being and promised to make an announcement regarding the succession soon.