Miss Teen USA is struggling to crown a 2023 winner. After UmaSofia Srivastava resigned from the title earlier this month, the runner-up, Stephanie Skinner, has now also declined to take on the role.
Taking to her Instagram over the weekend, the Miss New York Teen USA winner shared that she has “declined” the title of Miss Teen USA.
“In light of recent events, I have decided to decline the title of Miss Teen USA 2023. This was not an easy decision,” she wrote in a statement. “I hope for respect of my choice that this was a decision I never asked to make.”
She explained her reasoning for turning down the role, noting that after becoming a runner-up in the original 2023 competition, she had agreed to another assignment.
“My word is my everything. I gave my commitment to a global research career opportunity in Thailand that will require me to live abroad for the summer,” Stephanie shared.
Stephanie also referenced UmaSofia and former Miss USA winner Noelia Voigt‘s respective decisions to step down from their titles, writing, “Although I do not know exactly what Noelia and Uma went through to lead them to resign, I am sending them immense love and support.”
She concluded her post, writing, “Yes, I would be grateful for this platform to be a national representation for young women across the country, but I believe this is the right decision to make.”
UmaSofia commented on the post, writing, “I am so grateful to call you my friend ❤️ You always leave me in awe of your dedication and integrity.”
Noelia, the former Miss USA 2023 winner who stepped down from the role earlier this month to prioritize her physical and mental health, commented, “Ever since I met you have I loved and admired you. You continue to set a great example everywhere you go. Proud of you 🤍”
It has been a challenging time for the Miss USA organization.
Earlier this month, Noelia announced that she had resigned as Miss USA 2023, after accepting the title in September.
“In life, I strongly value the importance of making decisions that feel best for you and your mental health. As individuals, we grow through experiencing different things in life that lead us to learning more about ourselves,” Noelia wrote in a lengthy statement.
“Sadly, I have made the very tough decision to resign from the title of Miss USA 2023,” she continued.
Just two days after Noelia’s announcement, UmaSofia shared that she had separately decided to resign from the title of Miss Teen USA 2023.
At the time, she wrote, “After careful consideration, I’ve decided to resign as I find that my personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.”
Additionally, Claudia Michelle, the former Miss USA organization’s social media director, quit days before the winners’ resignations.
“It was a series of aggressive behaviors towards the title holders and the rest of the Miss USA staff,” Claudia told ET.
The Miss USA organization said in a statement, “The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority.”
Former contestants and title holders have called for the organization to release the winners from their NDAs so they can publicly speak about their experiences.
After Noelia stepped down from the role, Miss Hawaii, Savannah Gankiewicz, was named Miss USA 2023.
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