Miss USA Noelia Voigt Steps Down Citing Mental Health

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Pageant organizers support Miss USA Noelia Voigt’s decision today 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 the decision of former Miss USA Noelia Voigt to resign from her position. The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority, and we understand that she must 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 available soon,” according to the statement.

Voigt surprised the pageant world with his announcement today – an announcement that comes during Mental Health Awareness Month. She joins a growing list of artists, celebrities and athletes who have publicly cited mental health issues as a reason to step away, most often temporarily, from their careers.

In his statement today, posted to Instagram (read the full below), Voigt wrote, in part: “Deep down, I know this is just the beginning of a new chapter for me , and I hope I continue to inspire others. stand firm, prioritize your mental health, advocate for yourself and others using your voice, and never be afraid of what the future holds, even if it seems uncertain.

In a caption accompanying the statement, she wrote: “I realize this may come as a great shock to many. Never compromise your physical and mental well-being. Our health is our wealth. A million thanks to all of you for your constant and unwavering support. It’s time to write the next chapter. I hope you stick around to see what happens next.

Voigt, 24, was crowned Miss USA on September 29, 2023. The Venezuelan-American contestant represented the state of Utah and has since adopted dating violence awareness and prevention, mental health as her primary causes , anti-bullying and immigration issues. . She has been competing in competitions for seven years.

Voigt joins other celebrities who have publicly chosen to prioritize their mental health, a list that includes, among others, singer Shawn Mendes, who canceled part of a 2022 tour, explaining: “The truth is that I am overwhelmed and overstimulated”; actor Kit Harington, who said he took time off after experiencing mental health issues near the end and after 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 the reason for withdrawing from social media.