UmaSofia Srivastava, Miss Teen USA 2023, has opted to give up her crown. Srivastava’s decision comes just two days after Miss USA 2023, Noelia Voigt, announced her resignation.
Srivastava was crowned Miss Teen USA 2023 in late September of 2023.
“I have chosen to resign from the title of Miss Teen USA 2023”
The New Jersey teen announced her decision on Instagram on Wednesday, saying her “personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.”
“After months of grappling with this decision, I have chosen to resign from the title of Miss Teen USA 2023,” she wrote. “I am grateful for all the support from my family, my state directors, my sister queens, and the fans who have cheered me on since I won my state title. I will always look back on my time as Miss NJ Teen USA fondly, and the experience of representing my state as a first generation, Mexican-Indian American at the national level was fulfilling in itself.”
Srivastava is the author of the multilingual children’s book, The White Jaguar.
In her statement, she pledged to continue working as an advocate for “education and acceptance” with the Lotus Petal Foundation and the Bridge of Books Foundation.
“Ultimately, working with these incredible non-profits and seeing the first-hand impact that The White Jaguar has had on the kids and adults I’ve read it to is what has forged my legacy,” she wrote. “This work has always been my TRUE purpose.”
Shortly after Srivastava’s post, the Miss Teen USA organization congratulated the high school junior well via Instagram. The organization also claimed that a new title holder would be named shortly.
“UmaSofia, we are wishing you all the best. Thank you for your service as Miss Teen USA,” the organisation wrote. “We respect and support UmaSofia’s decision to step down from her duties. The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority. We are currently reviewing plans for the transition of responsibilities to a successor, and we will soon announce the crowning of the new Miss Teen USA.”
Srivastava’s resignation came only days after Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt gave up her crown
Srivastava’s resignation came only days after Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt announced that she was resigning from the crown to focus on her mental health.
“I realize this may come as a large shock to many,” Voigt, 24, said in an Instagram post announcing the decision, which was shared on Monday, May 6. “Never compromise your physical and mental well-being.”
“In life, I strongly value the importance of making decisions that feel best for you and your mental health,” she wrote in a statement. “My journey as Miss USA has been incredibly meaningful, representing Utah with pride, and later the USA at Miss Universe. Sadly, I have made the very tough decision to resign from the title of Miss USA 2023.”
Following her declaration, the Miss USA organization thanked Voigt for her service, stating that they “respect and support Noelia’s decision to step down from her duties.”
On Wednesday, when Srivastava announced her resignation, Voigt was one of the first to comment on her post and express her support. “I love you! “So proud of you, my angel,” she wrote.