Miss USA, Miss Teen USA Mothers Say Former Beauty Queens were 'Ill-Treated' Everyday
Allegations of mistreatment and harassment within the Miss USA organization have surfaced, as the former beauty queens' moms, Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt and former Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava, come forward with claims of mental abuse and bullying.
Both pageant queens resigned from their titles earlier this month, citing unprofessional conduct and workplace harassment, per the Independent.
In an interview with Good Morning America, Barbara Srivastava, mother of UmaSofia, and Jackeline Voigt, mother of Noelia, shed light on the troubling experiences their daughters endured during their tenure as titleholders.
They alleged that their daughters were subjected to mental abuse, bullying, and harassment by management at the organization, prompting them to step down from their positions.
The resignations of both Noelia Voigt and UmaSofia Srivastava sent shockwaves through the pageant community.
Their decision to relinquish their titles one day apart from each other raised questions about the toxic culture allegedly prevalent within the Miss USA organization.
Miss USA and Miss Teen USA have expressed support for the former titleholders' decisions and pledged to announce successors.
Despite mounting allegations of mental abuse and bullying, the Miss Universe Organization, which oversees the sister pageants, has remained silent on the matter.
Calls for accountability and transparency have gone unanswered, leaving concerned parties and the public awaiting a response from the organization.
READ NEXT: Miss USA 2023, Noelia Voigt, Resigns Due to Mental Health
Calls for Accountability and Change
Barbara Srivastava and Jackeline Voigt are demanding accountability from the Miss Universe Organization, calling for an apology for the alleged mistreatment their daughters endured.
They assert that the organization failed to provide a safe and supportive environment for its titleholders, leading to their daughters' distress and resignation, according to BBC.
The former beauty queens' moms revealed that their daughters are bound by non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), preventing them from speaking openly about their experiences.
They emphasized the importance of lifting these NDAs to allow the former titleholders to share their stories and seek justice for the mistreatment they allegedly faced.
Barbara Srivastava and Jackeline Voigt cautioned prospective contestants and their families about participating in future Miss USA-affiliated pageants.
They urged them to consider the potential repercussions and prioritize their well-being, emphasizing the need for accountability and systemic change within the organization.
Allegations Highlight Need for Reform
Layla Rose, president of Miss USA, has come under scrutiny considering the allegations of mental abuse and bullying.
Calls for her resignation have intensified, with Barbara Srivastava and Jackeline Voigt demanding accountability and transparency from the organization's leadership.
The allegations brought to light by the former titleholders and their families underscore the pervasive culture of silence and secrecy within the pageant industry, People noted.
The Miss USA organization's failure to address the allegations promptly and effectively has raised concerns about its commitment to the well-being of its contestants.
As investigations into the allegations continue, advocates for change are calling for comprehensive reforms to ensure the safety and dignity of pageant contestants.
The voices of former titleholders and their families serve as a catalyst for accountability and systemic change within the Miss USA organization.
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This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Ross Key
WATCH: Moms of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA speak out after shocking resignations - From Good Morning America
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