Miss Teen USA 2023 resigns 2 days after Miss USA gives up title

WASHINGTON (TND) — Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava announced Wednesday that she will be resigning from the role only two days after Miss USA Noelia Voigt gave up her crown.

She shared her decision in an Instagram post and explained that her "personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization."

"After months of grappling with the decision, I have made the choice to resign from the title of Miss Teen USA 2023," Srivastava wrote in her statement. "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."

She added that she will continue to advocate for education and acceptance with her multi-lingual book, "The White Jaguar" and noted that her "work with nonprofits has always been my TRUE purpose."

"I look forward to the rest of the year as I finish 11th grade as part of the National Honor Society and start the college application process, knowing my academic career has been defined by hard work and my hard work alone," she continued while adding that she is also pursuing "a new writing project."

In the caption of the post, Srivastava wrote, "At the end of the day, I am so lucky to have had the privilege of this experience, but if this is just a chapter, I know that the story of my life will truly be incredible."

Followers and friends in the comments section were quick to express support, including Voigt.

"I LOVE YOU! So proud of you my angel," Voigt wrote.

The official Miss Teen USA account posted an Instagram photo of Srivastava from the night she won her title wishing her all the best.

"UmaSofia, we are wishing you all the best," the caption read. "Thank you for your service as Miss Teen USA."

"We respect and support UmaSofia’s decision to step down from her duties," the caption continued. "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."

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