Miss Hawaii USA Takes Over the Miss USA Crown Amidst Controversy and Allegations
Amidst a tumultuous fortnight marked by resignations and accusations against the Miss USA organization, Savannah Gankiewicz, who originally placed as the first runner-up at the 2023 Miss USA pageant, has assumed the esteemed title of Miss USA. The 28-year-old was crowned by the Governor of Hawaii, Josh Green, during a ceremony held in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Wednesday.
In her acceptance speech, Gankiewicz expressed her commitment to utilizing this opportunity to make a positive impact within the organization she cherishes deeply. With her background as a certified mental health first aid responder and training in anti-bullying suicide prevention, she emphasized the significance of prioritizing well-being and advocating for those in need. She firmly believes that true change begins from within and is determined to lead by example and empower the upcoming 2024 class and beyond.
Noelia Voigt, who previously held the title of Miss USA, unexpectedly relinquished her crown earlier this month due to mental health concerns. In her resignation letter to the Miss Universe organization obtained by media outlets, she accused CEO Laylah Rose of fostering an environment of fear and control. Voigt claimed that the Miss USA management failed to provide her with adequate travel accommodations or a competent handler, resulting in an instance where she was allegedly sexually harassed during a Christmas parade event in Sarasota, Florida.
Two days following Voigt’s resignation, Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava also relinquished her title. She stated on Instagram that her values no longer aligned with the organization’s direction.
During her first public appearance since the controversy, Rose welcomed Gankiewicz to the Miss USA family and urged her to embrace this moment of influence and let her words carry the power of positive change. She also thanked their corporate partners and sponsors for their continued support.
Rose announced that this year’s Miss Teen USA and Miss USA pageants would take place in Los Angeles and be broadcast on the CW network. In light of the recent allegations, it was reported that the network was reevaluating its relationship with the Miss USA organization.
Currently, the role of Miss Teen USA remains unfilled, and Stephanie Skinner, the first runner-up from 2023, has declined to be crowned publicly. The mothers of Voigt and Srivastava spoke out on “Good Morning America,” sharing that their daughters were subjected to strict non-disclosure agreements in their contracts, making it impossible for them to discuss their experiences.
“The job of their dreams turned out to be a nightmare,” Barbara Srivastava said. “The girls decided to step down and give up their dream of a lifetime—a crown, a national title. Why would two girls decide to give that up?”
During their reigning year, the daughters were allegedly mistreated, abused, bullied, and cornered, according to Barbara Srivastava. The Miss USA and Miss Universe Organization have yet to respond to News Finder’s multiple requests for comment on these allegations.
In the aftermath of Voigt’s resignation, many current Miss USA state titleholders expressed their support on Instagram. However, Arianna Lemus, the reigning Miss Colorado USA, resigned completely due to feeling that her values were compromised and that women were being silenced in the pageantry community.
Gankiewicz will hold the Miss USA title only for a few months this summer before passing it on to a new contestant from the 2024 class of state titleholders at the next Miss USA pageant in August. She acknowledged the limitations of her role and plans to bring attention to Lahaina’s rebuilding efforts on Maui, as well as support the 2024 delegates during their transition into a new era of Miss USA.
Meanwhile, Lemus called for urgent action to protect future titleholders from restrictive contracts, while Voigt’s mother urged contestants to reconsider competing at all in light of recent events.
Miss Hawaii USA Steps Up as Miss USA Amid Controversy and Allegations
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Two weeks filled with resignations and allegations against the Miss USA organization led to the unexpected crowning of Savannah Gankiewicz, Miss Hawaii USA, as the new Miss USA. In a ceremony held in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Wednesday, Governor Josh Green crowned Gankiewicz, who expressed her dedication to making a positive impact with the organization and prioritizing well-being and advocacy for those in need.
Background of the Controversy: Miss USA Resignations and Allegations
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The sudden resignation of Miss USA Noelia Voigt earlier this month, citing mental health concerns and alleging a toxic organizational culture, set off a chain reaction. Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava also stepped down due to misaligned values. Both resignation letters, obtained by various media outlets including News Finder, detailed instances of inadequate travel accommodations and lack of effective handling, resulting in uncomfortable situations for the titleholders.
Gankiewicz’s Journey to the Crown: Dedication and Empowerment
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With her background as a certified mental health first aid responder and training in anti-bullying suicide prevention, Gankiewicz addressed the crowd at a Waikiki hotel, expressing her commitment to taking action, making a difference, and empowering the 2024 class and beyond.
Miss USA CEO Laylah Rose’s Response: Embrace Change and Positivity
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At the first official appearance following the controversy, Rose welcomed Gankiewicz to the Miss USA family while encouraging her to embrace the moment of influence and inspire positive change. She thanked corporate partners and sponsors for their support but did not address any allegations made by Voigt and Srivastava.
Pageant Details: Broadcast on CW Network in Los Angeles
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This year’s Miss Teen USA and Miss USA pageants are set to take place in Los Angeles and air on the CW network. The network signed a multi-year agreement with the Miss Universe Organization for pageant broadcasts in April, but in light of recent allegations, USA Today reported that the network was evaluating its relationship with the organization.
Impact on Miss Teen USA and Future Titleholders: Unfilled Role, Urgent Action, and Consideration
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The first runner-up from 2023, New York’s Stephanie Skinner, declined the crown, and the Miss Teen USA title remains unfilled. Arianna Lemus, reigning Miss Colorado USA, resigned in solidarity with Voigt and Srivastava due to compromised values. Gankiewicz plans to focus on rebuilding Lahaina on Maui during her short tenure as Miss USA, and Lemus called for urgent action to protect future titleholders from restrictive contracts. Voigt’s mother suggested that contestants reconsider competing altogether in the current climate.
The Future of Miss USA: Rebuilding, Empowerment, and Action
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With Gankiewicz’s dedication to empowerment and positive change during her brief tenure as Miss USA, the organization must address allegations of toxic culture and prioritize the well-being of its titleholders. The future of Miss USA will depend on the actions taken to ensure a safe, supportive environment for all contestants and rebuild trust within the community.
