“I AM SILENCED.”
According to NBC News, Miss USA Noelia Vogt posted this quote on Instagram, signaling her exit from the Miss USA title.
In May 2024, after only seven months holding the crowns, Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava and Miss Vogt resigned from their titles. They can’t say anything negative about the Miss USA organization because of the non-disclosure agreement (NDA) they signed when they won their crown. Allegedly the reason the women resigned is because of the mental and physical abuse from the staff in the organization.
A joint statement that multiple Miss USA contestants shared on their social media on May 8 stated “Prioritizing one’s mental health is of the utmost importance, and we stand behind her,” the statement read. “We are asking the Miss USA Organization to release Noelia from the confidentiality NDA clause of her contract, in perpetuity, so that she is free to speak on her experiences and time as Miss USA.”
The queens’ mothers spoke out on ABC News. They said Miss USA was a toxic work environment and this organization took a toll on the queen’s mental health due to physical and mental abuse. Following this, Miss Colorado Arianna Lemus declined the position.
“Although this title was a dream of mine, I believe one thing, I will never give up my character,” Lemus said.
Girls that compete in pageants have to have qualities to represent the U.S.. For example, volunteer work is a main part of being a pageant queen. According to the Miss USA official website, the organization celebrates “beauty, intelligence and empowerment.” They also said they work to provide a supportive environment for contestants.
“This is a very tragic event that happened, and very disappointing for an organization that supports mental health, ” freshman Alexis Ortiz said. ”This traumatic experience is devastating; they can’t speak out.”
Some are concerned the queens will never be able to tell the full story because of the alleged silencing.
“I wish there was something we could do to hear their story from their point of view,” freshman Addison Fosler said.
