In a surprising turn of events, Miss USA Noelia Voigt announced that she would be giving up her crown. The 24-year-old from Utah cited her mental health as the reason for her decision, stating that she wanted to prioritize her well-being above all else.
Voigt’s decision to step down from the title of Miss USA 2023 was not an easy one, as she had always dreamed of representing her state and country with pride. She reflected on her journey in pageantry, highlighting the hard work and dedication that had led her to where she is today. Despite the challenges she faced, she hoped to inspire others to never give up on their dreams.
In an Instagram post, Voigt expressed her gratitude for the support she has received and shared her intentions to start a new chapter in her life. She wrote: “It’s been an incredible journey and I am so grateful for all the opportunities I have been given. However, after much reflection and introspection, I have decided to step down as Miss USA 2023.”
The Miss USA organization released a statement expressing their support for Voigt’s decision and their commitment to the well-being of their titleholders. They are currently making plans for the transition of responsibilities to a successor and will soon announce the crowning of the new Miss USA. The 73rd Miss USA pageant is set to take place on August 4.
Coincidentally, Voigt’s announcement comes during Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues. Her decision to prioritize her mental health follows the tragic death of Cheslie Kryst, the 2019 Miss USA winner, who died by suicide earlier this year. This series of events serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental well-being and seeking help when needed.
Voigt’s journey in pageantry started when she was just 16 years old in Salt Lake City where she won first place at a local competition before going on to compete nationally. Over time she worked hard towards becoming one of America’s top beauty queens while also using this platform to advocate for causes important to her such as education and women’s empowerment.
Despite facing criticism along the way, Voigt remained determined and continued working towards achieving her goals until finally being crowned Miss USA in January this year.
Her decision has sparked conversations about mental health within pageantry circles with many commentators calling it brave for someone who had achieved so much publicly come out like this.
