WReigning Miss USA Noelia Voigt announced on Monday that she was stepping down to focus on her mental health.
Voigt, who represented Utah and became the first Venezuelan-American to be crowned Miss USA in September 2023, announced the “very difficult decision to resign” in an Instagram post.
“I know this may come as a huge shock to many,” Voigt, 24, said in the caption of her post. “Never compromise your physical and mental well-being. Our health is our wealth. A million thanks to all of you for your constant and unwavering support. It’s time to write the next chapter.”
In her post, Voigt reflected on her favorite moments during her time as Miss USA, including working with the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, Smile Train, and being an advocate for anti-bullying, dating violence awareness and prevention, and rights. and immigration reforms.
See more information: America’s long-standing mental health crisis
“Eternal gratitude fills my heart when I think about the platform I was given to make a difference, the feeling of fulfilling a lifelong dream and connecting with people all over the world, just as I said I would on the stage at Miss USA. she said in her statement. “Deep down, I know this is just the beginning of a new chapter for me, and my hope is to continue to inspire others to stand tall, prioritize their mental health, advocate for themselves and others using their voice, and never be afraid of what the future holds, even if it seems uncertain.”
Miss USA thanked Voigt for her service in statement released on Facebook, adding that the organization wishes him the best in his future endeavors.
“We respect and support Noelia’s decision to step down from her duties,” Miss USA said in the statement. “The well-being of our members is a top priority and we understand that it needs to be prioritized at this time.”
The organization added that it will soon announce Voigt’s successor.
Voigt was previously an interior design student and hoped to open her own design company and host a TV show to help families “in need of a home makeover,” according to Miss USA. website. She also wrote a children’s book about anti-bullying called Maddie the BRAVE.
The Miss USA pageant has existed for over 70 years. Former President Donald Trump previously owned the Miss Universe Organization, which includes the Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants. Trump sold the Miss Universe Organization in 2015 after he made a series of derogatory comments about Mexicans that led broadcasters NBC and Univision to cut ties with him and the pageants, according to Rolling Stone.
This story originally appeared on Time.com read the full story
