Less than two weeks later Noelia Voight she announced resignation as Miss USAMiss Hawaii Savannah Gankiewicz won the crown.
On Wednesday, the 28-year-old model and activist received the currently controversial title in a ceremony broadcast live from Waikiki. During the event, Gankiewicz was introduced by Miss Hawaii Jonelle Layfield (2008), Miss Hawaii Alicia Michioka (2003) and Hawaii Governor Dr. Josh Green, as well as Miss USA President and CEO Laylah Rose.
Gankiewicz humbly accepted Green’s crown and sash before taking the stand to share words with those in attendance – including her friends, family and community – who she says she is striving to make proud in this new role.
“I’m so shocked right now and tremendously grateful,” Ganziewicz said. “While this decision was not made lightly, I firmly believe this opportunity was meant for me and I am ready to make a positive impact on this organization I hold dear to my heart.”
She continued: “As I embark on this unique reign, I am dedicated to taking action and making a difference.”
The native of Hawaii first shared the news that she would take on the role in an Instagram post last week that drew mixed reactions from followers who encouraged her to reconsider amid reports that Voigt faced bullying both internally and externally within the organization.
“Please know that my decision to accept the Miss USA crown was not made lightly,” Gankiewicz wrote at the time. “I am with Noelia and I admire her strength to resign and prioritize her mental health. Noelia, it was the honor of a lifetime to share the stage with you during your crowning moment and I wish you all the best in your next chapter.
Just two days after Voigt’s resignation, Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia Srivastava, likewise shared what she would be giving up her crownstating, “my personal values are no longer fully aligned with the direction of the organization.”
Unlike Gankiewicz, Miss Teen USA runner-up Stephanie Skinner quickly publicly refused to replace Srivastava.
“In light of recent events, I have decided to decline the title of Miss Teen USA 2023. This was not an easy decision,” Skinner wrote in a statement. “I hope, out of respect for my choice, that this was a decision I never asked to make.”
The ceremony and pomp follow an appearance Tuesday by Voigt and Srivastava’s mothers at the Good Morning America where they discussed the alleged mistreatment of their daughters, which, according to them, led to their daughters’ resignation.
“Her dream job turned out to be a nightmare,” said Barbara Srivastava GMA. “We could not continue this charade. The girls decided to resign, to give up their lifelong dream, the crown, a national title, why would two girls decide to give up on that?”
Both women said the NDAs in their daughters’ contracts prevent them from speaking directly about the “abuse” they suffered while holding the titles.
“She is (silenced) and will remain so for the rest of her life if this NDA is abandoned. Girls need to talk,” Jackeline Voigt told Noelia.
In a letter of resignation to the Miss USA organization, Noelia wrote: “There is a toxic work environment within the Miss USA organization that at best is mismanagement and at worst is bullying and harassment… I was made to feel unsafe at events without an effective handler, and this culminated in sexual harassment.”
Bárbara further stated that her daughter’s dismissal – like Voigt’s – had nothing to do with her desire for special treatment.
“It’s about how they were mistreated – abused, bullied and cornered,” Barbara said.
The Miss USA organization said in a statement: “The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority.”
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