Noelia Voigt: Miss USA 2023 announces 'very tough' decision to resign from the title due to mental health

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH: Noelia Voigt, the winner of the 2023 Miss USA pageant, announced that she has decided to step down from her title.

She cited mental health as the reason for her resignation while also noting that the decision was 'very tough' for her. 

Noelia Voigt prioritizes mental health over Miss USA tile 

Voigt, who was the winner of Miss Utah USA 2023 in April, shared her decision to resign on Instagram. The Miss USA organization also posted a confirmation of this news separately.

"In life, I strongly value the importance of making decisions that feel best for you and your mental health," Voigt wrote in her post. "As individuals, we grow through experiencing different things in life that lead us to learning more about ourselves," she added.

"My journey as Miss USA has been incredibly meaningful, representing Utah with pride, and later the USA at Miss Universe," she continued.

"Sadly, I have made the very tough decision to resign from the title of Miss USA 2023," Voigt wrote, adding, "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]."

Noelia Voigt favorite moments as Miss USA

Voigt looked back fondly on her best experiences during her time as Miss USA and talked about the important issues she supported.

"Every time someone asked me what my favorite part of being Miss USA was," she began, saying she "loved getting to work with Smile Train, being a fervent advocate for anti-bullying, dating violence awareness and prevention as well as immigration rights and reform." Her work also included "shedding light on my roots as the first Venezuelan-American woman to win Miss USA."

She noted that "deep down" she knows this is "a new chapter for me" with a hope that she will continue to inspire others to remain in regards with steadfast, mental health priority and to "advocate for yourself and others by using your voice, and never be afraid of what the future holds, even if it feels uncertain."

"I realize this may come as a large shock to many. Never compromise your physical and mental well-being," she wrote in the caption of her post.

"Our health is our wealth. A million thank you's to all of you for your constant and unwavering support. Time to write the next chapter. I hope you'll stick around to see what's next," she wrote further. 

'Thank you, Noelia': Miss USA and Miss Teen USA offer support to Noelia Voigt

Miss USA and Miss Teen USA organizations also responded to the announcement.

They posted a picture of Voigt on Instagram, expressing gratitude for her contributions and offering best wishes for her future.

"Thank you, Noelia, for your service as Miss USA. We wish you the best in this next chapter," the organizations wrote alongside the joint Instagram post.

"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," they added.

The caption also explained that the Miss USA organization was looking at the next steps in naming a new titleholder.

"We are currently reviewing plans for the transition of responsibilities to a successor, and we will soon announce the crowning of the new Miss USA," they wrote.

Voigt had likings for interior design. Her biography describes how she had dreamed of creating her design firm and hosting a television show where she could help families in need of home makeovers.

Additionally, immigration issues held significance for her, given that she is the child of a Venezuelan immigrant, reports ABC News.

She is a former University of Alabama student and published a children's book 'Maddie the Brave' in 2020. Voigt was crowned the 72nd Miss USA winner in Reno, Nevada, on September 23, 2023.

Internet showers love and supports Noelia Voigt in her decision to resign from her title

The internet is abuzz with offering support to Voigt while, at the same time, complimenting her decision of prioritizing her mental health. 

"Love and support you always sweet girl, proud of you for following your heart and doing what's best for you!" wrote a fan on her Instagram comment. 

"Sending love & light your way, Noelia. Choosing yourself is the hardest decision, but always the most rewarding. We love YOU," wrote another. 

Others also echoed similar support. "A model for knowing your worth and the importance of self-care, even in the hardest of situations. Proud to know you and love you," wrote one.

Few expressed shock but sympathetically accepted her decision. "Shocked. Sending so much love to you and wishing the best for you. Mental Health is not a game," commented a user.

 

"That’s healthy and mature of you queen. May the universe bless your journey🇺🇸"  wrote one more while another added, "We are so proud of you! Can’t wait to see what’s next for you! Thanks for taking a stance for all of us." 

"We love you queen! thank you for prioritizing your mental health and well being," wrote another. "Never forget that you are a strong and amazing queen!!!!!!! I am sending you so much love!!!!!" said one.

One comment read, "Praying for you and your next endeavors! Thank you for your boldness wish you had had more support before it led to this!" 

"We love you and we support you, Noelia you deserve nothing but the best. I know this decision wasn’t easy for you. Praying for you and am always here for you," Internet personality Lauren Norris wrote. 

One suggested Miss USA should do better for the sake of girls. "This hurts my heart for you. But prioritizing your mental health is SO important. Praying that @missusa will do better, for the sake of the little girls that look up to Miss USA," the user wrote.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.