Recently crowned Miss USA Savannah Gankiewicz claims she has received multiple death threats since replacing the original winner Noelia Voigt.
The former Miss Hawaii was the first runner-up of Miss USA this year. She was declared Miss USA after Noelia Voigt announced her resignation earlier this month. She cited mental health as her reasoning for stepping down.
In a touching post on Instagram, she revealed her excitement of having the title. “I promise to always be transparent with you and to share my experience. I still believe in the Miss USA organization and its future, and my intention is to make positive changes from within and rebuild its legacy.”
She then addressed the 2024 delegates. “I want you to know that the Miss USA title will endure,” she shared. “It will give you the tools to achieve greatness. You just have to take leap of faith and believe in yourself..”
However, during a recent speech, Savannah Gankiewicz opened up about being bullied and attacked by the public. “Since I’ve gotten this title, I’ve dealt with a lot of bullying and harassment, and it really does, it breaks my heart,” she shared during the speech, which was posted on X last week.
“Sorry. I didn’t want to cry, but I just feel like it’s hard, because I wish people saw where my heart is coming from,” Gankiewicz stated. “And it’s helping Lahaina and helping Maui residents and having a platform, but also showing young women that you can get bullied and you can hurt but you stand back up and you keep going and you keep using your voice.”
Savannah Gankiewicz Recently Said She Fully Supports and Respects Noelia Voigt’s Decision to Step Down As Miss USA
In a statement shared on the Miss USA website, Savannah Gankiewicz announced she fully supported and respected Noelia Voigt’s decision to step down. She also said she stands in solidarity with mental health awareness.
“I accept the crown knowing that I have been uplifted by my supporters, family, friends, and the people of Hawaii throughout this journey,” Gankiewiscz said in the statement. “I accept this title on their behalf.”
Gankiewicz further shared that her decision to accept the Miss USA crown was not one that was made lightly. “I stand with Noelia and admire her strength to step down and prioritize her mental health. Noelia, it was the honor of a lifetime to share the stage with you during your crowning moment and I will you all the best in your next chapter.”
Unfortunately, Gankiewicz’s message and decision were met with criticism.
“Wow! It seems like you didn’t even needed a moment to think about it,” one critic wrote. “You just said yes immediately they called you. This is wrong, you should help a sister find her voice and not help silence it.”
Another critic wrote, “I’m disappointed by your greed. Maybe you were offered a substantial amount of money or certain perks to take this [role], but you are standing by serious allegations of a toxic work environment. You do not stand by Noelia with this decision.”
However, many stepped up to back Gankiewicz, stating that bullying and attacking her were the key issues. “Jealousy is a good indication that you are doing things the right way. People never get jealous of losers! You are a champion.”