Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced her resignation from her role, citing concerns for her mental health.
Hailing from Utah, Voigt succeeded Morgan Romano of North Carolina, the 2022 Miss USA titleholder. Notably, Voigt was the first Venezuelan-American woman to clinch the Miss USA crown, according to her official statement.
A spokesperson for the Miss USA Organization conveyed to CNN on Monday their support for Voigt’s decision to step down, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the well-being of titleholders.
The organization is currently in the process of reviewing plans for the transition of responsibilities to a successor and intends to announce the new Miss USA shortly.
Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii, the first-runner-up in November’s competition, emerges as a potential candidate for the newly vacant Miss USA title. Other notable contenders from the top five placements include Alexis Loomans of Wisconsin, Jasmine Daniels of Pennsylvania, and Lluvia Alzate of Texas.
During her tenure, Voigt championed her heritage and emphasized her commitment to connecting with diverse communities across the United States, as demonstrated during the final Q&A round of the competition.
In her resignation statement, Voigt highlighted her pride in her charitable work with Smile Train, an organization dedicated to providing corrective surgery for children with cleft lips and palates. Additionally, she underscored her advocacy for anti-bullying initiatives, dating violence prevention, and immigration rights and reform.
“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 wrote.
While reflecting on her impactful journey within the organization, Voigt reaffirmed the significance of prioritizing her well-being as she embarks on the next chapter of her life.
“Never compromise your physical and mental well-being. Our health is our wealth,” she wrote.
