Savannah Gankiewicz Wins Miss USA Title Following Noelia Voigt's Resignation
Savannah Gankiewicz claimed the Miss USA crown on May 15, just over a week after Noelia Voigt stepped down from the position. Learn more about the unexpected turn of events in the Miss USA pageant.
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Savannah Gankiewicz represented her home state of Hawaii at the Miss USA 2023 pageant. Courtesy of Miss USA/Instagram
Savannah Gankiewicz, 28, has been crowned as the new Miss USA. The ceremony took place on Wednesday, May 15, at Hawaii’s Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach. She takes over the title from Noelia Voigt, who recently stepped down from her role to prioritize her mental well-being.
Gankiewicz, a model and nonprofit leader from Maui, will finish out the rest of Voigt's term as Miss USA until August.
"I am incredibly grateful and shocked right now," Gankiewicz expressed at her crowning in Honolulu, as reported by Entertainment Tonight. "Although this decision was not easy, I truly feel like this opportunity was meant for me. I am excited to make a positive difference with this organization that is close to my heart."
Gankiewicz was the runner-up to Voigt in the Miss USA 2023 contest last September. She took to Instagram last week to announce her new title, saying, "I want everyone to know that I did not take the decision to accept the Miss USA crown lightly." She expressed her support for Noelia, who stepped down to focus on her mental health. Gankiewicz also thanked Noelia for the opportunity to share the stage during her crowning moment and wished her the best in the future.
A post shared by Savannah Gankiewicz (@savannahmarai)
On May 6, Voigt, 24, announced that she was relinquishing her post.
She shared on Instagram, "I believe in prioritizing decisions that are beneficial for your well-being and mental health. It's crucial to choose what feels right for you as we learn and grow through life experiences that help us discover more about ourselves."
Following her win, Voigt made history as the first Venezuelan-American to win the pageant. Shortly after, she proudly represented the United States at the Miss Universe 2023 competition held in El Salvador.
Two days after Voigt resigned, Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava also decided to step down. She explained on Instagram that her "personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization."
On Tuesday, May 14, Good Morning America featured a joint interview with Voigt and Srivastava's mothers. They shared concerns about the toxic working environment their daughters experienced at the Miss USA organization. Jackeline Voigt mentioned that Noelia felt "stressed" after facing unwanted advances at a Christmas parade, while Barbara Srivastava disclosed that Miss Teen USA management had been bullying UmaSofia and controlling her social media account.
Barbara expressed to GMA that it wasn't about the prizes that contestants didn't receive, but rather how they were mistreated, abused, bullied, and put in a difficult position. She mentioned that what was supposed to be their dream job turned into a nightmare.
The Miss USA organization stated to ABC News that they are dedicated to creating a positive and supportive atmosphere for all contestants, state titleholders, national titleholders, and staff.
Editor's P/S:
The crowning of Savannah Gankiewicz as Miss USA 2023 is a testament to her resilience and dedication. Her journey from runner-up to titleholder reflects the challenges and opportunities that come with such a prestigious competition. Gankiewicz's commitment to making a positive impact is evident in her nonprofit work, and her support for Noelia Voigt's mental health journey shows her compassion and empathy.
However, the recent resignations of Voigt and UmaSofia Srivastava raise concerns about the working environment within the Miss USA organization. The allegations of unwanted advances, bullying, and control of social media accounts highlight the need for a thorough investigation and a commitment to creating a safe and respectful atmosphere for all participants. The organization's statement emphasizing their dedication to fostering a positive environment is a welcome step, but further action is required to address these serious allegations and ensure the well-being of all involved.
