- Noelia Voigt announced on Monday, May 6, that she will be stepping down as Miss USA 2023.
- “I strongly value the importance of making decisions that I feel are best for myself and my mental health,” Vogt, 24, said in a social media post announcing his decision. said.
- The Miss USA organization said, “We respect and support Noelia's decision to step down from her duties,'' and “we will announce the new Miss USA crown shortly.''
Miss USA 2023 Noelia Vogt announced her decision to decline the title, citing mental health reasons.
“I know this may come as a huge shock to many,” Vogt, 24, said in an Instagram post announcing the decision shared on Monday, May 6. “Never sacrifice your physical or mental health. Our health is ours.” wealth. ”
“In life, I strongly believe in the importance of making decisions that you feel are best for yourself and your mental health,” she said in a statement. “My journey so far as Miss USA has been very meaningful as I proudly represented the state of Utah and then represented the United States at Miss Universe. Unfortunately, I am unable to accept the title of Miss USA in 2023. I have made the very difficult decision to resign.”
“I am grateful for the love and support of my fans, new and old, my family, friends, coaches, former state and local coaches, and my beloved Miss Teen USA, Uma Sophia,” she continued.
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Vogt then reflected on all she was able to accomplish during her time as Miss USA, including making “lifelong friendships and connections” that she is “forever grateful for.”
“Whenever someone asks me what I like most about being Miss USA, I always say how much I loved working at Smile Train, anti-bullying, dating violence awareness and prevention, and immigrant rights advocacy. “I was telling them that I'm a passionate advocate, reinventing myself and highlighting my roots as the first Venezuelan-American woman to win Miss USA,” she said.
“I never could have imagined the journey my childhood dream would take me on,” she continued. “Constant hard work and dedication have brought me to where I am today. Competing in pageants and sharing my journey with you all over the past seven years has inspired me to never give up on my dreams. I hope it inspires you, whatever it is.”
As the post neared its end, Vogt wrote, “I will continue to stand by my beliefs, prioritize my mental health, and use my voice to advocate for myself and others, no matter what happens in the future.” I want to continue to inspire others to never be afraid.” I feel anxious. ”
“I wish I could have hugged you all,” she added. “I love you all so much and always will. Peace and love, always.”
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In October, Vogt reflected on her win, telling PEOPLE, “Miss USA is a symbol of unity, diversity, and inclusion.”
“If America claims to be a land of opportunity and a place where the American Dream can be achieved, then Miss USA should be able to represent all of that,” she added.
The childhood cancer survivor also spoke about her years of dedication to winning the crown. She won the Miss Utah title and won three state pageants before advancing to the national pageant.
Despite not achieving her goals at first, she “always walked away with something of value.”
“It would have been easy for anyone to get three No. 1s and say, 'Oh, I'm done.'” We can't do this anymore. ’ But for me, it wasn’t that way,” Vogt said. “I knew I had to keep moving forward and keep pushing.”
Following her announcement, the Miss USA organization thanked Vogt for her accomplishments and said it “respects and supports Noelia's decision to step down from her role.”
“The titleholder’s health is our top priority and we understand that she needs to prioritize herself at this time,” the organization said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. “We are currently evaluating a succession plan and will soon announce the new Miss USA crown.”
If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line (741-741). Connect with a certified crisis counselor.
