The recent resignations of both Miss USA and Miss Teen USA within a short period have drawn significant attention to the management of the pageant’s overseeing body, particularly as both young women highlighted mental health and a misalignment of values as their reasons for stepping down. These resignations followed closely on the heels of a Miss USA organization employee’s departure, who cited “workplace toxicity” and alleged mistreatment of the titleholders.

Claudia Michelle, who served as Miss USA’s social media director, announced her resignation on May 3 via an Instagram post. Michelle claimed she had not been compensated for two months, lacked the necessary support staff, and observed disrespectful treatment towards the winners by the management. She detailed her close working relationship with Miss USA Noelia Voigt—a 24-year-old Venezuelan American crowned in September—and noted a deterioration in Voigt’s mental health, which Voigt herself referenced upon resigning.

Michelle also recounted witnessing disrespectful behavior toward Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava and her family, condemning the workplace’s toxic and bullying environment. She criticized the management’s unprofessional conduct towards Voigt and Srivastava in her public statements.

In her resignation announcement, Voigt, representing Utah, emphasized the importance of not compromising one’s health for external duties, describing her tenure as Miss USA as profoundly impactful and underscoring her pioneering role as the first Venezuelan American to win. Voigt expressed a desire to encourage resilience, mental health prioritization, self-advocacy, and fearless future-facing.

Internet detectives have highlighted what they perceive as a hidden message in Voigt’s farewell note, noting that the initial letters of each sentence form the phrase “I AM SILENCED.”

Srivastava, describing herself as a first-generation Mexican-Indian American from New Jersey, also stepped down, stating that her personal values were increasingly at odds with the organization’s direction.

The Miss USA organization publicly acknowledged and respected Noelia’s decision to resign, emphasizing their commitment to the well-being of their titleholders. A similar statement was issued regarding Srivastava’s resignation by Miss Teen USA.

Miss USA Controversy

The Miss USA competition has been marred by various controversies and accusations over the years, including alleged favoritism towards certain contestants. These claims were ultimately dismissed as unfounded by the organization. However, these events led to the resignation of Crystle Stewart, the president of Miss USA and a former titleholder. Her husband, Max Sebrechts, who was the vice president of the organization, also departed following allegations of sexual harassment by former contestants.

Voigt’s departure marked a historic moment as it was the first instance of a Miss USA relinquishing her title for reasons other than winning Miss Universe, a related competition.

The tragic death of Cheslie Kryst, Miss USA 2019, who died by suicide in early 2022, brought further scrutiny to the pageant. In a memoir released posthumously, Kryst discussed the severe insecurities that resurfaced during her reign and the online harassment she endured, shedding light on the immense pressures faced by pageant titleholders.

Growing Scrutiny on Pageant Culture

The resignations and the circumstances surrounding them have intensified the scrutiny on the broader pageant culture, which often places immense pressure on participants. Critics argue that these competitions, while providing opportunities for empowerment and advocacy, can also perpetuate unrealistic standards of beauty and behavior. This scrutiny highlights the need for organizational reforms that prioritize the mental health and well-being of contestants over traditional pageant aesthetics. As society’s understanding of health and beauty evolves, there is a growing demand for these institutions to adapt and foster environments that respect and uphold the dignity of all participants.

Call for Transparency and Change

In response to the recent controversies, there is a louder call for transparency and ethical management within the Miss USA organization. Stakeholders and the public alike are urging for a review of the operational practices and the ethical standards upheld by the pageant’s leadership. Advocates for change are pushing for the implementation of stricter oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse and exploitation, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all contestants. The pageant community is at a crossroads, and the choices made now will likely impact its future relevance and integrity.