UmaSofia Srivastava, Miss Teen USA 2023, gave up her crown on Wednesday, just two days after Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt relinquished her title. In a statement shared to her Instagram, the Mexican Indian American teen gave a cryptic reason for her dismissal, stating that “my personal values are no longer fully aligned with the direction of the organization.”
The 17-year-old wrote that this was not how she saw her “reign coming to an end,” and expressed her gratitude for all the support from her family, state directors, fellow candidates and fans since winning her state title. She wrote that she always “looks back fondly on my time as Miss NJ Teen USA,” adding that the experience of representing her state as a “first-generation Mexican Indian American at the national level was fulfilling in itself. “
The New Jersey teen said she was “excited to continue my advocacy for education and acceptance” through her multilingual children's book,
Ms. Srivastava further said that she would soon be applying to colleges, “I look forward to the rest of the year as I complete the 11th grade as part of the National Honor Society,” adding that her “academic career is defined by hard work and my hard work.” work alone.”
In closing, she thanked those who supported her for “who I am and have always been, not who I temporarily became.” She considers herself lucky for having had “the privilege of this experience.”
“I know the story of my life will be truly incredible,” she added.
While Ms. Srivastava's sudden resignation is unusual, the timing is even more remarkable. It coincides with Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt's recent return of her own crown. Ms Voight, who was crowned in September 2023, revealed in an Instagram post: “In life, I strongly value the importance of making decisions that are best for you and your mental health.”
All this suggests that there may be developments underway within the election company, once owned by former US President Donald Trump (from 1996 to 2015).