Miss USA 2023 Resigns, Citing Mental Health Concerns

Noelia Voigt, Miss USA 2023, has resigned from her title, citing her need to prioritize her mental health. Voigt, the first Venezuelan-American to hold the title, thanked her fans for their support and said she remains committed to advocating for the causes she believes in.

Noelia Voigt, the reigning Miss USA, resigned from her title on Monday, May 8, to focus on her mental health. The 24-year-old, who was crowned in September 2022, thanked her fans for their love and support throughout her pageantry journey in a lengthy post shared on Instagram.

"In life, I strongly value the importance of making decisions that feel best for you and your mental health," Voigt wrote. "As individuals, we grow through experiencing different things in life that lead us to learning more about ourselves. My journey as Miss USA has been incredibly meaningful, representing Utah with pride, and later the USA at Miss Universe."

Voigt's decision comes as a surprise to many, as she has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken out about her own struggles with anxiety and depression. In her resignation statement, Voigt expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to use her platform to speak out about these issues and to help others who are struggling.

"I have always been open about my struggles with mental health and I believe that speaking out about it is one of the most important things I can do to help others," Voigt said. "I hope that my decision to step down will inspire others to prioritize their mental health and to seek help when they need it."

The Miss USA Organization released a statement shortly after Voigt's resignation, expressing their respect and support for her decision.

"The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority, and we understand her need to prioritize herself at this time," the organization said. "The organization is currently reviewing plans for the transition of responsibilities to a successor and an announcement regarding the crowning of the new Miss USA will be coming soon."

Voigt's resignation is the latest in a series of high-profile resignations by beauty pageant titleholders in recent months. Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu stepped down from her title in April, citing her desire to focus on her education and acting career. Miss Teen USA Kamie Crawford also resigned in April, saying she wanted to focus on her music career and mental health.

The trend of beauty pageant titleholders resigning from their titles has sparked a conversation about the pressures that these young women face and the need for organizations to provide better support for their well-being.

Voigt's decision to prioritize her mental health is a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health. It is also a reminder that it is okay to ask for help and to take time for yourself when you need it.