Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava resigns days after Miss USA Noelia Voigt steps down
Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava has resigned.
Miss Teen USA 2023 is resigning just days after Miss USA Noelia Voigt.
UmaSofia Srivastava, who took home the 2023 title in September, shared a lengthy statement Wednesday announcing her departure because her “personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.”
“After months of grappling with the decision, I have made the choice to resign from the title of Miss Teen USA 2023. I am grateful for all the support from my family, my state directors, my sister queens, and the fans who have cheered me on since I won my state title,” Srivastava wrote. “I will always look back on my time as Miss NJ Teen USA fondly, and the experience of representing my state as a first generation, Mexican-Indian American at the national level was fulfilling in itself.”
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USA TODAY reached out to reps for Miss USA Organization for comment.
The beauty pageant contestant vowed to continue her philanthropy with The Lotus Pedal Foundation and the Bridge of Books Foundation as she completes her junior year of high school.
“While this was certainly not how I saw my reign coming to a close, I am excited to continue my advocacy for education and acceptance, start applying to colleges, and share some exciting new projects on That’s Fan Behavior with those of you who plan to stick around,” she captioned the post.
Srivastava added: “At the end of the day, I am so lucky to have had the privilege of this experience, but if this is just a chapter, I know that the story of my life will truly be incredible.”
Miss USA Noelia Voigt makes ‘tough decision’ to step down. Read her full statement.
This story is developing.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava resigns days after Miss USA Noelia Voigt steps down