Pageant organizers are supporting today’s decision by Miss USA Noelia Voigt to relinquish the title to focus on her mental health.
In a joint statement, organizers of the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants said, “We respect and support former Miss USA Noelia Voigt’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.”
The Miss USA organization “is currently reviewing plans for the transition of responsibilities to a successor and an announcement regarding the crowning of the new Miss USA will be coming soon,” according to the statement.
Voigt surprised the pageant world with her announcement today – an announcement that comes during Mental Health Awareness Month. She joins a growing list of performers, celebrities and athletes who have publicly cited mental health issues as cause for stepping away, most often temporarily, from their careers.
In her statement today, posted on Instagram (read it in full below), Voigt wrote, in part, “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 a caption alongside the statement, she wrote, “I realize this may come as a large shock to many. Never compromise your physical and mental well-being. 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.”
Voigt, 24, was crowned Miss USA on Sept. 29, 2023. The Venezuelan-American competitor was representing the state of Utah, and has since embraced as her primary causes dating violence awareness and prevention, mental health, anti-bullying and immigration issues. She has been competing in pageants for seven years.
Voigt joins other celebrities who have publicly chosen to prioritize their mental health, a list that includes singer Shawn Mendes, who canceled part of a 2022 tour, explaining, “The truth is I’m overwhelmed and overstimulated”; actor Kit Harington, who said he took time off after having mental health difficulties near the end, and after, of Game of Thrones; and gymnasts Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas; professional basketball player Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets; and Spider-Man actor Tom Holland, who cited his mental health as his reason for withdrawing from social media.