Unfortunately, the first runner-up of Miss Teen USA will not be assuming the role of queen.
On Wednesday, UmaSofia Srivastava, Miss Teen USA, made the decision to step down from her role, following in the footsteps of Noelia Voigt, who relinquished her title as Miss USA just two days ago.
Miss Hawaii Savannah Gankiewicz, the first runner-up in the 2023 pageant, has been announced as the new queen by the Miss USA organization. She will be taking over for the remainder of the tenure that would have belonged to Voigt.
Stephanie Skinner, the first runner-up of Miss Teen USA, revealed on Sunday that she would not be replicating the same decision for the upcoming teen pageant.
Business Insider reached out to Miss USA for comment, but a representative did not respond immediately.
Stephanie Skinner declined the title of Miss Teen USA
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In an Instagram announcement, Skinner, the representative from New York in the Miss Teen USA pageant, revealed her decision to decline the title of Miss Teen USA 2023.
Skinner explained that she had decided not to accept the crown due to her pre-existing commitment to a research project in Thailand through her university, the University of Pennsylvania, as well as her personal values.
In an interview with Business Insider, Skinner emphasized that her decision was greatly influenced by her personal integrity and character.
“This was more than just a dream come true for me,” Skinner explained to BI. “I have worked tirelessly for years to reach this point. Coming from an unconventional family background and growing up in a single-parent household, I have faced many challenges. I am also a survivor of domestic violence. Winning this title meant being a voice for others who have faced similar struggles. It holds a deeper significance for me.”
“I will never compromise my character or integrity,” she asserted. “Therefore, due to recent circumstances and my commitment to my university’s global research program this summer, I had to turn down the role. I believe this decision aligns with my values and principles.”
“I firmly support female empowerment and strongly believe in the power of actions speaking louder than words,” Skinner expressed to BI. “Although it is truly disheartening, as becoming Miss Teen USA has always been a dream of mine, I believe that chapter of my life closed on the night of the pageant finale.”
She explained that her decision to step down was driven by a combination of respect for Uma and Noelia, as well as a prior commitment that she had made. She believed that it was important to honor these factors and ultimately felt that it was the right choice for her. It was crucial for her to find peace with her decision.
Skinner expressed her ongoing aspiration to attain a national pageant title in the future, but she clarified that it will not be Miss Teen USA.
Srivastava and Voigt both left messages of support on Skinner’s Instagram post.
Srivastava expressed deep gratitude for the friendship, stating, “I am incredibly thankful to have you as my friend. Your unwavering commitment and integrity never cease to amaze me.”
Voigt expressed her admiration and love for the person she had met, stating, “I have loved and admired you ever since I met you. You consistently set a remarkable example wherever you go, and I am proud of you.”
Skinner expressed her admiration for Srivastava and Voigt, describing them as friends and commending them for their courage in standing up for their beliefs.
“I will always send them love and support, and I have immense respect for their decision to do what they believe is best for themselves,” she expressed sincerely.
Several people have resigned from positions in Miss USA in recent days
Miss USA has experienced a series of resignations in the past few days following a turbulent period in 2022 and 2023. One of the major controversies that emerged was the allegation of rigging in the Miss 2022 USA pageant, favoring Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel.
When Voigt gave up her crown on May 6, she explained in an Instagram statement that she was stepping down due to her mental health. This marked the first time in the pageant’s 72-year history that a Miss USA voluntarily resigned.
In her Instagram statement about her resignation, Srivastava expressed that her personal values no longer fully aligned with the direction of the organization.
Chance Yeh / Getty Images for Supermodels Unlimited
Chance Yeh captured the moment with his camera during an event for Supermodels Unlimited.
Claudia Michelle, the social-media manager of Miss USA, has recently announced her resignation. In an Instagram post on May 3, she expressed her concerns about the impact on the mental health and happiness of Noelia and Uma, the titleholders.
Miss Colorado Arianna Lemus relinquished her title on Friday to express her solidarity with Srivastava and Voigt.
“I believe that many women tend to overlook their own power, but organizations like Miss USA serve as a reminder of just how strong and influential women can be,” Lemus expressed in an interview with Business Insider’s Anneta Konstantinides. “This is the message I want to convey today. I stand in solidarity with my fellow sisters, and I cannot remain silent in the face of injustice. Therefore, I have made the decision to resign my title in order to speak my truth and give a voice to those who have been silenced.”
In a statement to BI, Miss USA expressed their understanding of Voigt’s decision to resign, emphasizing that the well-being of their titleholders is a paramount concern. They acknowledged her need to prioritize herself at this moment.
According to the statement, the organization is currently in the process of reviewing plans for the transition of responsibilities to a successor. An announcement regarding the crowning of the new Miss USA will be made in the near future.
On Thursday, the organization expressed their excitement and announced that Miss Hawaii USA Savannah Gankiewicz has been crowned Miss USA 2023, as stated in an Instagram statement.
The organization has not yet announced the successor to Skinner as Miss Teen USA.
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