Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava gives up title 2 days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava stepped down from her post, just two days after the resignation of Miss USA.
The beauty queen announced her resignation on Thursday, May 9 (Philippine time) via an Instagram post.
"After months of grappling with the decision, I have made the choice to resign from the title of Miss Teen USA 2023, I am grateful for all the support from my family, my state directors, my sister queens and the fans who have cheered me on since I won my state title," she wrote in a statement.
UmaSofia then disclosed that after careful consideration, she decided to step down because her “personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.”
She added that she will continue her work for her advocacy for education, including her my multi-lingual children's book, The White Jaguar, as well as her collaboration with nonprofit organizations. She said that such has “always been [her] true purpose."
Apart from preparing for college, the beauty queen also shared that she is currently pursuing “a new writing project.”
"Most importantly, thank you to those who support me for who I am and have always been, not for who I've momentarily become,” she concluded her statement.
Sharing a picture of UmaSofia on Instagram, the Miss Teen USA organization expressed their well wishes for the beauty queen moving forward as they thanked her for her service.
"We respect and support UmaSofia's decision to step down from her duties," they wrote in the caption, stressing that the well-being of their titleholders is at the top of their priorities. "We are currently reviewing plans for the transition of responsibilities to a successor, and we will soon announce the crowning of the new Miss Teen USA."
Her fans and friends, including Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt, expressed their support for UmaSofia in the comments section. "I LOVE YOU! So proud of you my angel," she wrote in the same thread.
Noelia also gave up her title earlier this week, citing mental health reasons.
"My journey as Miss USA has been incredibly meaningful, representing Utah with pride, and later the USA at Miss Universe," Noelia wrote in a statement shared on her Instagram page.
"Sadly, I have made the very tough decision to resign from the title of Miss USA 2023. 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."
"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," she added.