Noelia Voigt has tendered her resignation as Miss USA 2023. She shared the heartfelt news on her Instagram post this Monday, emphasizing the significance of making choices that prioritize mental well-being.
Aged 24, Voigt is both a model and a licensed esthetician, and she has previously been vocal about raising awareness for mental health. In 2021, she authored a children’s book titled “Maddie the BRAVE,” aimed at combating bullying, inspired by the tragic story of Madison “Maddie” Whittsett, a 9-year-old who took her own life in 2018 due to bullying. Voigt disclosed to Business Insider in 2023 her own experiences of bullying during her teenage years, particularly after her involvement in pageantry began.
Aside from her advocacy against bullying on a prominent stage like pageantry, Voigt highlights her involvement with Smile Train, a nonprofit organization focusing on corrective surgery for children born with cleft lips and palates. She also mentions her enthusiasm for promoting awareness and prevention of dating violence, as well as advocating for immigration rights and reform, as cherished aspects of her reign.
Representing Utah, Voigt clinched the Miss USA crown in September 2023, becoming the first Venezuelan-American woman to achieve this honor.
Reflecting on her journey, Voigt expresses gratitude for the unwavering support from her family, friends, coaches, pageant organizers, and fans. In her Instagram caption, she stresses the importance of safeguarding both physical and mental well-being, underscoring that health is indeed wealth.
Voigt’s mother shares her supportive words in a comment, acknowledging her daughter’s decision to step down from the title. She highlights the relief she feels witnessing Noelia’s restored personality and expresses immense pride in her daughter’s selflessness in advocating for what’s right while prioritizing her own well-being. Witnessing the transformation in her daughter’s demeanor, her mother expresses joy in seeing her daughter return to her true self and extends a warm welcome home.
Mental health and the crown
Mental health has been a recurring topic concerning pageant winners, evidenced by events such as the tragic passing of Miss USA 2019, Chelsie Kryst, at the age of 30 due to suicide. Kryst’s mother, April Simpkins, has since disclosed her daughter’s struggles with depression and her persistent feelings of inadequacy.
In her posthumously published memoir, titled “By the Time You Read This,” Kryst conveyed her sense of pressure to attain perfection, feeling the weight of representing not only youth, women, and Black individuals but also those who faced barriers to accessing opportunities. The book, which was released last month, includes a note from Kryst requesting her mother to share her story someday.
In response to former Miss USA Noelia Voigt’s decision to step down from her role, The Miss USA Organization issued a statement to USA TODAY expressing respect and support for her choice, affirming that the well-being of their titleholders remains a top priority. The organization acknowledged Voigt’s need to prioritize herself at this juncture and disclosed ongoing deliberations regarding the transition of responsibilities to a successor. An announcement concerning the crowning of the new Miss USA is expected shortly.
Voigt herself expressed her desire for others to stay engaged with her journey, emphasizing her hope to continue inspiring individuals to persevere, prioritize mental health, advocate for themselves and others, and embrace the future despite its uncertainties.
