Miss USA and Miss Teen USA Winners Resign, Mothers Allege Abuse and Bullying

The mothers of Miss USA Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava claim their daughters faced ill-treatment, abuse, bullying, and harassment within the Miss USA organization, leading to their resignations.

Miss USA and Miss Teen USA Winners Resign, Mothers Allege Abuse and Bullying

Two former beauty queens, Miss USA Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava, have resigned their crowns, and their mothers have come forward with shocking allegations of abuse and bullying within the Miss USA organization.

Jackeline Voight, Noelia's mother, and Barbara Srivastava, UmaSofia's mother, spoke out on "Good Morning America," revealing that their daughters were subjected to "toxic work environment" and "bullying and harassment."

The girls signed non-disclosure agreements, but their mothers felt compelled to break their silence. "We could not continue this charade," Barbara Srivastava said. "The girls decided to step down, give their dream of a lifetime, their crown, a national title. Why would two girls decide to give that up?"

Jackeline Voight added that her daughter would be "silenced the rest of her life if this NDA isn’t being lifted. The girls need to speak."

In a resignation letter obtained by ABC News, Voight wrote, "There is a toxic work environment within the Miss USA organization that, at best, is poor management and, at worst, is bullying and harassment. This started soon after winning the title of Miss USA 2023."

Voight announced her resignation on Instagram on May 6, citing her "mental health," in a lengthy statement. She was the first Venezuelan-American woman to win Miss USA in 2023.

In her May 8 resignation, Srivastava said her "values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization."

Jackeline Voight said that Noelia was sexually harassed by a man who asked her if she was "into old men with money," making her "very, very uncomfortable."

UmaSofia Srivastava said she witnessed the "attacking" of Voight's mental health and decided to stand up with her.

Stephanie Skinner, the first runner-up for Miss Teen USA, also declined the title this week, "in light of recent events," citing her core values of integrity, honor, kindness, and female empowerment.

Both Srivastava and Voight's moms have called for Miss USA CEO and President Laylah Rose to resign and suggested other women and girls who aspire to Miss USA should avoid pageants.

"Look at what happened to Noelia and UmaSofia, so really pay attention," Voight said. "We don’t want them to go through this right now. It’s not the right time to participate.

The Miss USA organization has offered "respect and support" to Voight and her decision to step down. "The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority, and we understand her need to prioritize herself at this time," the organization said.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Miss USA organization for comment. The allegations have raised serious concerns about the culture and treatment of women in the pageant industry.