Noelia Voignt, Miss USA 2023, has chosen to resign for mental health reasons.
Yesterday, Noelia shared a post on Instagram detailing her reason to resign from the title of Miss USA 2023.
“In life, I strongly value the importance of making decisions that feel best for you and your mental health,” she wrote. “As individuals, we grow through experiencing different things in life that lead us to learning more about ourselves.”
She then went on to speak highly about her time as Miss USA, praising it as an “incredibly meaningful” journey.
“Sadly, I have made the very tough decision to resign from the title of Miss USA 2023,” she continued. “I am grateful for the love and support of the fans, old and new, my family, my friends, my coaches, former state and local directors, and my darling beloved Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia [Srivastava].”
Miss USA Quotes Mental Health as Reason for Resigning
When announcing her resignation from her title, Miss USA 2023 told her audience to “never compromise your physical and mental well-being. Our health is our wealth.”
Despite her mental health challenges, however, she still recognized the positive parts of her journey.
“Every time someone asked me what my favorite part of being Miss USA was, I would always share with them how much I loved getting to work with Smile Train, being a fervent advocate for anti-bullying, dating violence awareness and prevention, immigration rights and reform, and shedding light on my roots as the first Venezuelan-American woman to win Miss USA,” she wrote in her post.
“Deep down I know that this is just the beginning of a new chapter for me, and my hope is that I continue to inspire others to remain steadfast, prioritize your mental health, advocate for yourself and others by using your voice, and never be afraid of what the future holds, even if it feels uncertain.”
In the caption of her post, Noelia acknowledged how the news might “come as a large shock to many.” However, she noted that it was “time to write the next chapter.”
“I hope you’ll stick around to see what’s next,” she concluded.
Support for Noelia Voigt Amid Resignation
Several individuals commented their support on her post.
“I am sad because I know this is not how you wanted your year to be,” said Paula Shugart, former president of Miss Universe. “The step you took today had to be agonizing for you but please know everyone recognizes your bravery.”
“You reclaimed your voice and spoke out for your own wellbeing. In doing so, you set an example and spoke on behalf of many. And that is the act of someone who is to be emulated, a true role model, with or without a crown.”
“@noeliavoigt I am so proud of you. You reflect the very fundamentals which we spent the last 25 years building at the Miss Universe Organization.”
Additionally, the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA organizations shared a joint Instagram post sending their well wishes and gratitude to Noelia.
“Thank you, Noelia, for your service as Miss USA. 👑❤️ We wish you the best in this next chapter,” they wrote. “We respect and support Noelia’s decision to step down from her duties. The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority, and we understand her need to prioritize herself at this time.”