Miss USA 2023 pageant winner Noelia Voigt announced Monday that she had “made the very difficult decision” to resign the title, citing mental health issues.
Voigt, who won the title of Miss Utah USA 2023 in April last year, made the announcement in an Instagram post. The official Miss USA account later confirmed the news in a separate post.
“In life, I highly value the importance of making the decisions that are best for you and your mental health,” Voigt wrote in his post. “As individuals, we grow by experiencing different things in life that lead us to learn more about ourselves.”
“My journey as Miss USA has been incredibly meaningful, proudly representing Utah, and later the United States at Miss Universe,” she continued. “Unfortunately, I have made the very difficult decision to step down from the title of Miss USA 2023. I am grateful for the love and support from fans old and new, my family, my friends, my coaches, former national and local directors, and my beloved Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia (Srivastava).”
Voigt then reflected on some of her favorite moments as Miss USA and mentioned some of the causes she championed throughout her journey.
“Whenever someone asked me what my favorite thing about being Miss USA was, I always shared with them how much I loved working with Smile Train, being a strong advocate for anti-bullying, awareness and prevention of dating violence, immigration rights and reform, and highlighting my roots as the first Venezuelan-American woman to win Miss USA,” she wrote. .
She added: “Deep down, I know this is just the start of a new chapter for me, and I hope I continue to inspire others to stay strong, to prioritize your mental health, to advocate for yourself and others using your voice and never be afraid of what the future holds, even if it seems uncertain.
In the caption of his post, Voigt wrote: “I realize this may come as a great shock to many. Never compromise your physical and mental well-being. Our health is our wealth. A million thanks to all of you for your constant support. and unwavering support. It’s time to write the next chapter. I hope you’ll stick around to see what happens next.
The Miss USA and Miss Teen USA organizations also addressed the news, sharing a photo of Voigt on Instagram with a caption thanking her for her service in the role and wishing her well.
“Thank you, Noelia, for your service as Miss USA. 👑❤️ We wish you the best in this next chapter,” the organizations wrote alongside the joint Instagram post. “We respect and support Noélia’s decision to step down from her role. The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority, and we understand that she must prioritize herself at this time.”
The caption also explained that the Miss USA organization was exploring the next steps to name a new titleholder.
“We are currently reviewing plans to transfer responsibilities to a successor, and will soon announce the crowning of the new Miss USA,” they wrote.
According to Voigt’s biography on the Miss USA website, she previously studied interior design and dreamed of starting her own design business and becoming a television host on a show “where she gives back to families in need.” revamp their home. The website also states that immigration issues were important to the pageant winner because she is the child of a Venezuelan immigrant.
She is an alumna of the University of Alabama and published a children’s book, “Maddie the Brave,” in 2020.
Voigt was crowned the 72nd winner of Miss USA in Reno, Nevada on September 23, 2023.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Free, confidential help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are not alone.
ABC News
