Miss USA Organization faces claims of bullying and harassment as both Miss USA and Miss Teen USA resign within days of each other

The Miss USA organization is facing claims that it bullied and harrassed its two top models, who both resigned this week in a move that shocked the beauty pageant scene. 

Miss USA Noelia Voigt, 24, announced her shock resignation on Monday, just seven months after she took the role on, citing challenges to her mental health. 

And just two days later, 17-year-old Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava, known previously as the former Miss New Jersey Teen USA, joined her in resigning from the organisation, claiming her personal values 'no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.'

Insiders told the New York Post that the models were forced into harsh and iron-clad contracts to keep appearances up, despite suffering in 'harmful workplace conditions.'

'This toxic atmosphere is a serious concern. There is an urgent need for intervention at the leadership level', they said. 

Top managers at the organization were allegedly so toxic that Srivastava's parents recently refused to allow Miss USA Organization's president Laylah Rose to speak with the model directly. 

Miss USA Noelia Voigt (pictured, right) and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava (pictured, left) both resigned this week 

The models' resignation was coordinated alongside the resignation of Miss USA social media manager Claudia Michelle (pictured, centre), who stepped down on May 3

Top managers at the organization were allegedly so toxic that Srivastava's parents recently refused to allow Miss USA Organization's president Laylah Rose (pictured) to speak with the model directly

'All correspondence had to go through her parents. Her parents meet weekly with the Miss Universe Organization to try and get things to change with Miss USA but nothing ever gets done. No changes, no nothing,' the close source said.

The source told the outlet that the models' resignation was coordinated alongside the resignation of Miss USA social media manager Claudia Michelle, who stepped down on May 3. 

The trio all coordinated the timing of their resignations, with the source claiming: 'The decision was not easy. Noelia and UmaSofia are extremely dedicated people who worked incredibly hard for the pageant. 

'The decisions were not taken lightly. They all decided to do this together. They are afraid of speaking out more at this time because of the organization. They don't want this to have any lasting harmful effect on their futures.'

Michelle took to Instagram and said in her resignation announcement: 'I feel the way current management speaks about their titleholders is unprofessional and inappropriate; I disavow workplace toxicity and bullying of any kind.

'I believe Noelia and Uma's mental health and happiness has taken a toll and I cannot remain silent about that.' 

DailyMail.com has contacted the Miss USA Organization for comment.  

The sudden resignation of Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava (pictured) has prompted calls from former contestants to release former Utah representative Noelia Voigt of her NDA with the organization

The joint statement from the Miss USA 2023 contestants demanded that Voigt (far right) be released from the confidentiality NDA clause of her contract 'so that she is free to speak on her experiences and time as Miss USA' (Pictured: Srivastava (left) and Voigt (right) celebrating the nonprofit Smile Train at Kendra Scott in NYC)

The joint statement (picture) demanded a response from the Miss USA organization within 24 hours

In response to both resignations, former Miss USA titleholders released a joint statement in support of the two models. 

The statement, which claimed to speak on behalf of 'the majority of the members of the Miss USA class of 2023,' spoke in support of Voigt's decision to leave the organization for the sake of her wellbeing. 

'Our goal is to give Noelia her voice back. We are asking for full transparency for contestants in the class of 2024 and beyond.'

The statement also demanded a response from the Miss USA organization within 24 hours.

Just two days after Noigt gave up her title as the Miss USA representative, Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava announced her resignation in an Instagram post, which looked eerily similar to Noigt's.

'After careful consideration, I've decided to resign as I find that my personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization,' her statement read.

The caption of the statement read, 'While this was certainly not how I saw my reign coming to a close, I am excited to continue my advocacy for education and acceptance, start applying to colleges, and share some exciting new projects.

'After careful consideration, I've decided to resign as I find that my personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization,' Srivastava's statement (pictured) read

Voigt (pictured) announced her departure from the organization in an Instagram post Monday, citing her decision to prioritize her mental and physical wellbeing

Noigt announced her departure from the organization in an Instagram post Monday, citing her decision to prioritize her mental and physical wellbeing.

'In life, I strongly value the importance of making decisions that feel best for you and your mental health,' she wrote.

'My journey as Miss USA has been incredibly meaningful, representing Utah with pride, and later the USA at Miss Universe. Sadly, I have made the very tough decision to resign from the title of Miss USA 2023.'

Users in the comments were quick to point out that the first letter of each sentence in Voigt's message spelled out 'I AM SILENCED,' insinuating that there was more to the story than the former pageant queen was allowed to say.  

Voigt was awarded the title last September after campaigning on messages of anti-bullying, dating violence awareness and immigration reform. She was the first Venezuelan-American woman to win the pageant.

'I realize this may come as a large shock to many,' Voigt captioned the post. 'Never compromise your physical and mental well-being.'

Her announcement came just days after she appeared at the Kentucky Derby wearing a dress from Sherri Hill, a brand she has worked with extensively in the past.

Miss USA is a national beauty pageant that selects the entrant from the United States in the Miss Universe pageant. It has been held every year since 1952.

Shortly after Voigt's announcement, the Miss USA Organization released its own statement on social media.

Users in the comments of were quick to point out that the first letter of each sentence in Voigt's (pictured) message spelled out 'I AM SILENCED,' insinuating that there was more to the story than the former pageant queen was allowed to say

 'Thank you, Noelia, for your service as Miss USA. We wish you the best in this next chapter,' the statement began.

'We respect and support former Miss USA Noelia Voigt's decision to step down from her duties. The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority, and we understand her need to prioritize herself at this time.'

The organization added it has begun the process of transferring Voigt's responsibilities to a successor.