Noelia Voigt is resigning from her title of Miss USA 2023.
Months after becoming the first Venezuelan-American woman to ever win the Miss USA pageant on Sept. 29, Voigt shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram on Monday, announcing her decision to relinquish her title to focus on her mental health.
“In life, I strongly value the importance of making decisions that feel best for you and your mental health. As individuals, we grow through experiencing different things in life that lead us to learning more about ourselves. 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 decision to resign from the title of Miss USA 2023,” she wrote, adding, “I realize this may come as a large shock to many. Never compromise your physical and mental well-being.”
Voigt was born in Florida to an American-Venezuelan couple. The 22-year-old is a licensed aesthetician and a certified lash technician. Prior to the Miss USA, Voigt won Miss Teen Florida in 2018 and Miss Alabama Collegiate America in 2020. She also competed in four more pageants before running for Miss Utah.
“Constant and consistent hard work and dedication all lead me to where I am today, and I hope that over the last seven years of competing in pageantry and sharing my journey with you all is something that inspires you to never give up on your dreams, whatever they may be,” Voigt wrote.
Noelia Voigt at the 72nd Miss Universe Competition on Nov. 16, 2023, in San Salvador.
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Since winning the title, Voigt worked with Smile Train and was an advocate for anti-bullying and immigration rights. In her announcement, she showed her gratitude for her fans and supporters.
“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. Lifelong friendships and connections that I had the opportunity to make along the way while attending different events, and competing at state pageants, Miss USA, and Miss Universe are invaluable things I will be forever grateful for,” Voigt wrote.
Voigt received the crown from Miss USA 2022 Morgan Romano of North Carolina, who received her title after R’Bonney Gabriel won Miss Universe 2023. According to the rules, the Miss USA 2023 crown will now be offered to the first runner-up, Miss Wisconsin USA Alexis Loomans.
“Thank you, Noelia, for your service as Miss USA. We wish you the best in this next chapter. 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. 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,” the Miss USA organization shared on its official Instagram account.
2023 was the first Miss USA contest organized by JKN Global Group, owned by Thai transgender entrepreneur Anne Jakrajutatip, which purchased the Miss Universe Organization in 2022. Laylah Rose assumed the roles of president and chief executive officer of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA in August.
The MUO has experienced an overhaul that included its expansion into apparel, beauty and other merchandising. Last November, the organization announced its first swimwear collection, Miss Universe by Rubin Singer. The line featured bikinis, one-pieces, plus-size and modest silhouettes. An expanded apparel collection, including shirts and hoodies, was announced for drops throughout 2024. The organization said it also plans to release a branded skin care line.
