Weeks after Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava resigned from their titles, their mothers have opened up about their daughters' decisions and claimed they were 'ill-treated, abused and bullied'.&nbsp; 
 
Noelia’s mother Jackeline Voigt and UmaSofia’s mother Barbara Srivastava appeared on Good Morning America to discuss the reasons behind their daughters'&nbsp;resignations and to call for changes within the Miss USA pageant system. 
 
"I want to make (it) clear, it’s not about what they can get, the prizes… it’s about how they were ill-treated, abused, bullied and cornered,” Barbara alleged. "The job of their dreams turned out to be a nightmare." 
 
Barbara claimed that UmaSofia — who gave up her crown on May 8, two days after Noelia — faced bullying by Miss Teen USA management and missed out on opportunities as a result.&nbsp;

She also alleged that the management had put her daughter’s social media account under surveillance and control. 
 
Meanwhile, Noelia's mother Jackeline said she knew&nbsp;something was wrong after an interaction with her daughter following an incident during a Christmas parade.&nbsp; 
 
“I saw Noelia so stressed out, and I said, ‘What happened?,’"&nbsp;Jackeline recalled. “And she said, ‘Mom, get in the car, get in the car.’ When I got in the car, I said, ‘What happened?’ Because I know (a man) said something but I couldn’t get it.” 
 
She continued, “(The man) told Noelia, ‘Are you into old (men) with money?’ And made Noelia very, very uncomfortable.” 
 
Noelia stepped down on Monday, May 6 stating she wanted to focus on her mental health. 
 
The Miss USA organisation told ABC News, "We are committed to fostering a healthy, communicative and supportive environment for all contestants, state titleholders, national titleholders and staff." 
 
Noelia had seemingly alluded to the incident in her resignation letter but reportedly wrote, “I was made to feel unsafe at events without an effective handler, and this culminated in being sexually harassed…” 
 
The model's mother Jackeline said Miss USA CEO and President Layla Rose’s response to the incident was that the organisation would not be able to prevent people from saying things to the titleholder during public appearances.

"(Not) even, ‘I’m sorry that you went through that?'"&nbsp;she said. “... (Noelia) was so upset. This is not what she worked so hard for.” 
 
Noelia’s resignation helped UmaSofia take her decision to step down, the teenager's mother revealed.&nbsp; 
 
“When she saw that they were tying (in) Noelia’s mental health (to her resignation), she said, ‘I cannot stand for this. I need to stand up (for) Noelia,’"&nbsp;she recalled. 
 
Both mothers called for Rose to step down as president and for the Miss USA pageant to “come out and speak to us (and) apologise or clean this mess.”&nbsp;

Weeks after Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava resigned from their titles, their mothers have opened up about their daughters' decisions and claimed they were 'ill-treated, abused and bullied'.

Weeks after Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava resigned from their titles, their mothers have opened up about their daughters' decisions and claimed they were 'ill-treated, abused and bullied'. Noelia’s mother Jackeline Voigt and UmaSofia’s mother Barbara Srivastava appeared on Good Morning America to discuss the reasons behind their daughters' resignations and to call for changes within the Miss USA pageant system. "I want to make (it) clear, it’s not about what they can get, the prizes… it’s about how they were ill-treated, abused, bullied and cornered,” Barbara alleged. "The job of their dreams turned out to be a nightmare." Barbara claimed that UmaSofia — who gave up her crown on May 8, two days after Noelia — faced bullying by Miss Teen USA management and missed out on opportunities as a result. She also alleged that the management had put her daughter’s social media account under surveillance and control. Meanwhile, Noelia's mother Jackeline said she knew something was wrong after an interaction with her daughter following an incident during a Christmas parade. “I saw Noelia so stressed out, and I said, ‘What happened?,’" Jackeline recalled. “And she said, ‘Mom, get in the car, get in the car.’ When I got in the car, I said, ‘What happened?’ Because I know (a man) said something but I couldn’t get it.” She continued, “(The man) told Noelia, ‘Are you into old (men) with money?’ And made Noelia very, very uncomfortable.” Noelia stepped down on Monday, May 6 stating she wanted to focus on her mental health. The Miss USA organisation told ABC News, "We are committed to fostering a healthy, communicative and supportive environment for all contestants, state titleholders, national titleholders and staff." Noelia had seemingly alluded to the incident in her resignation letter but reportedly wrote, “I was made to feel unsafe at events without an effective handler, and this culminated in being sexually harassed…” The model's mother Jackeline said Miss USA CEO and President Layla Rose’s response to the incident was that the organisation would not be able to prevent people from saying things to the titleholder during public appearances. "(Not) even, ‘I’m sorry that you went through that?'" she said. “... (Noelia) was so upset. This is not what she worked so hard for.” Noelia’s resignation helped UmaSofia take her decision to step down, the teenager's mother revealed. “When she saw that they were tying (in) Noelia’s mental health (to her resignation), she said, ‘I cannot stand for this. I need to stand up (for) Noelia,’" she recalled. Both mothers called for Rose to step down as president and for the Miss USA pageant to “come out and speak to us (and) apologise or clean this mess.”

Mothers of former Miss USA 2023 and Miss Teen USA 2023 speak out: They were bullied

Miss New York Teen USA Stephanie Skinner made headlines as she revealed that she was offered the crown of Miss Teen USA 2023 following UmaSofia Srivastava's surprise resignation last week. However, Skinner has declined the title, stating that she is focusing on other dreams this year, according to latest reports.

"It was an extremely hard decision to make," says Skinner, 19. "I worked so hard and sacrificed so much for this goal to become Miss Teen USA, and although this title was a dream of mine, I believe one thing I will never give up is my character."

Skinner felt that turning down the opportunity was "the right decision." She emphasized the importance of integrity and character, especially in light of recent events.

"I think it's really important to note that we give our entire life to work towards a goal like this, but in light of recent events, integrity and character have to come first," she says. "I just think that this was the best decision for me."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-eric-claptons-wonderful-tonight-guitar-up-for-sale-cigarette-burns-included-721144">Eric Clapton's 'Wonderful Tonight' guitar up for sale, cigarette burns included</a>

Skinner's decision comes after Srivastava's resignation, who announced her decision on Instagram, citing that her "personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization."&nbsp;

Two days before Srivastava's announcement, Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt also resigned from her title, emphasising the importance of physical and mental well-being.

Miss USA publicly wished both winners well in the wake of their decisions. Srivastava expressed that while resigning was not her first choice, she is excited to explore her future and find what makes her&nbsp;her again.

For Skinner, who will crown a new Miss New York Teen winner at the end of June, her professional goals come first. This summer, she will participate in an eight-week-long global research programme as a data marketing analyst in Bangkok, Thailand — a prior commitment that she intends to honour.

Miss New York Teen USA Stephanie Skinner made headlines as she revealed that she was offered the crown of Miss Teen USA 2023 following UmaSofia Srivastava's surprise resignation last week.

Miss New York Teen USA Stephanie Skinner made headlines as she revealed that she was offered the crown of Miss Teen USA 2023 following UmaSofia Srivastava's surprise resignation last week. However, Skinner has declined the title, stating that she is focusing on other dreams this year, according to latest reports. "It was an extremely hard decision to make," says Skinner, 19. "I worked so hard and sacrificed so much for this goal to become Miss Teen USA, and although this title was a dream of mine, I believe one thing I will never give up is my character." Skinner felt that turning down the opportunity was "the right decision." She emphasized the importance of integrity and character, especially in light of recent events. "I think it's really important to note that we give our entire life to work towards a goal like this, but in light of recent events, integrity and character have to come first," she says. "I just think that this was the best decision for me." Also read: Eric Clapton's 'Wonderful Tonight' guitar up for sale, cigarette burns included Skinner's decision comes after Srivastava's resignation, who announced her decision on Instagram, citing that her "personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization." Two days before Srivastava's announcement, Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt also resigned from her title, emphasising the importance of physical and mental well-being. Miss USA publicly wished both winners well in the wake of their decisions. Srivastava expressed that while resigning was not her first choice, she is excited to explore her future and find what makes her her again. For Skinner, who will crown a new Miss New York Teen winner at the end of June, her professional goals come first. This summer, she will participate in an eight-week-long global research programme as a data marketing analyst in Bangkok, Thailand — a prior commitment that she intends to honour.

Miss Teen USA 2023 runner-up declines title after winner's resignation

UmaSofia Srivastava, Miss Teen USA 2023, has decided to relinquish her crown. Srivastava's decision comes two days after Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt announced her resignation.

First Miss USA, now Miss Teen steps down from their post

UmaSofia Srivastava, Miss Teen USA 2023, has decided to relinquish her crown. Srivastava's decision comes two days after Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt announced her resignation. 
 
Srivastava was crowned Miss Teen USA 2023 in late September 2023.&nbsp;

The New Jersey teen announced her decision on Instagram on Wednesday and stated that 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.&nbsp; 
 
In her statement, she vowed to continue her work as an advocate for “education and acceptance” with The Lotus Petal Foundation and the Bridge of Books Foundation.&nbsp; 
 
“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."

<img alt="uma" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a48cd6d0-a644-4618-8167-c46526415266" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/umasofia.JPG" /> 
 
Shortly after Srivastava's post, the Miss Teen USA organisation wished the high school junior well in a post on Instagram. The organisation also stated that a new title holder would be announced soon. 
 
“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.”

Miss USA 2023 steps down&nbsp;

Srivastava’s resignation came days after Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt announced that she was resigning from the title in order 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 announcement, the Miss USA organisation thanked Voigt for her service, saying in a statement that they "respect and support Noelia’s decision to step down from her duties." 
 
On Wednesday, as Srivastava announced her decision to step down, Voigt was among the first to comment on her post and lend her support. “I LOVE YOU! So proud of you my angel,” she wrote.

<h1><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-miss-usa-2023-noelia-voigt-resigns-from-her-title-to-focus-on-her-mental-health-718955">Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt resigns from her title to focus on her mental health</a></h1>

Srivastava's historic win 
 
Srivastava was crowned Miss Teen USA in September 2023. Her win was historic as she was the first Mexican-Indian to win the title.&nbsp;

 
"IS THIS REAL??? I am so grateful and honored that I’m the first Mexican-Indian, first New Jersey, your MISS TEEN USA 2023!!!" the teen wrote on social media at the time. "This night is truly the best night of my life because I was crowned with the people that have loved and supported me throughout everything cheering for me in the audience." 
 
She continued, "The class of 2023 is truly so special. Getting to stand along side each of my intelligent, impactful, and beautiful sisters already made me the luckiest girl in the world, I have so much more to say, but for everyone who believed that a girl like me could win, who had a kind word to say or thought to think for me this week, I am so so grateful. I’m yours USA!!!!

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UmaSofia Srivastava, Miss Teen USA 2023, has decided to relinquish her crown. Srivastava's decision comes two days after Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt announced her resignation. Srivastava was crowned Miss Teen USA 2023 in late September 2023. The New Jersey teen announced her decision on Instagram on Wednesday and stated that 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 vowed to continue her work 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 organisation wished the high school junior well in a post on Instagram. The organisation also stated that a new title holder would be announced soon. “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.” Miss USA 2023 steps down Srivastava’s resignation came days after Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt announced that she was resigning from the title in order 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 announcement, the Miss USA organisation thanked Voigt for her service, saying in a statement that they "respect and support Noelia’s decision to step down from her duties." On Wednesday, as Srivastava announced her decision to step down, Voigt was among the first to comment on her post and lend her support. “I LOVE YOU! So proud of you my angel,” she wrote. Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt resigns from her title to focus on her mental health Srivastava's historic win Srivastava was crowned Miss Teen USA in September 2023. Her win was historic as she was the first Mexican-Indian to win the title. "IS THIS REAL??? I am so grateful and honored that I’m the first Mexican-Indian, first New Jersey, your MISS TEEN USA 2023!!!" the teen wrote on social media at the time. "This night is truly the best night of my life because I was crowned with the people that have loved and supported me throughout everything cheering for me in the audience." She continued, "The class of 2023 is truly so special. Getting to stand along side each of my intelligent, impactful, and beautiful sisters already made me the luckiest girl in the world, I have so much more to say, but for everyone who believed that a girl like me could win, who had a kind word to say or thought to think for me this week, I am so so grateful. I’m yours USA!!!!

Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava steps down days after Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt's resignation