Miss Teen USA runner-up REFUSES the crown because she 'won't give up my character' just days after 2023 winner UmaSofia Srivastava resigns

Miss Teen USA first runner-up Stephanie Skinner has revealed she declined the title because she didn't want to sacrifice her 'character' - adding that she would always 'stand for female empowerment.' 

The news comes after a shocking beauty pageant scandal, which saw both Miss USA 2023 and Miss Teen USA 2023 announcing that they were resigning within days of each other amid reports of bullying and harassment.

Miss USA Noelia Voigt, 24, first shared her surprise resignation via Instagram, explaining that she wanted to focus on her 'physical and mental well-being.' 

It was then followed by 17-year-old Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava announcing she too was stepping down because her personal values 'no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.'

Now, Miss New York Teen USA Stephanie, 19, has revealed that she was offered the crown but ultimately refused it because she can't 'give up [her] character.' 

First runner-up in the Miss Teen USA pageant Stephanie Skinner has revealed she declined the title because she didn't want to sacrifice her character 

Miss USA Noelia Voigt (right) and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava (left) both resigned last week 

Now, Miss New York Teen USA Stephanie, 19, has revealed that she was offered the crown but ultimately refused it because she can't 'give up [her] character'

Her statement further adds to the speculation about the dark underbelly surrounding the pageant. 

'Hi everyone. As many of you know, on August 6, 2023, I was crowned Miss New York Teen USA 2023,' Stephanie wrote on Instagram on Sunday.

Stephanie went on to note that she had put 'every ounce of [her] being' into achieving her dream of winning and 'sacrificed' many things in her life. 

The 19-year-old explained that her life changed when she was awarded Miss Teen USA runner-up and was given the opportunity to take up the crown when UmaSofia stepped down. 

She added: 'In light of recent events, I have decided to decline the title of Miss Teen USA 2023. This was not an easy decision. I hope for respect of my choice as this was a decision I never asked to make. My word is my everything. ' 

In her announcement, Stephanie made her opinions on the previous winners extremely clear as she noted that she stood with them. 

'In addition, although I don't know what Uma and Noelia went through to led them to resign, I am sending them immense love and support. What I do know is that my core values are integrity, honor, kindness, and most importantly, I will always stand for female empowerment,' she said. 

The 19-year-old noted that although achieving the crown was a dream of hers, she knew that refusing it was the 'right decision.' 

The Miss New York Teen USA announced her shock decision, which adds to the speculation about the dark underbelly surrounding the pageant, via Instagram

The 19-year-old noted that although achieving the crown was a dream of hers, she knew that refusing it was the 'right decision'

'If you know me, you know how much this meant to me and how much I sacrificed,' she said before noting that this was 'the right decision to make.' 

Speaking to People, Stephanie explained that the decision came from her wanting to stay true to her character. 

'It was an extremely hard decision to make. I worked so hard and sacrificed so much for this goal to become Miss Teen USA, and although this title was a dream of mine, I believe one thing I will never give up is my character,' she told the outlet.

Stephanie - who is a rising junior at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania - added that she was confident in her decision. 

DailyMail.com has contacted Miss Teen USA for comment. 

Underneath Stephanie's Instagram statement, both UmaSofia and Noelia showed their support in the comments.

'I am so grateful to call you my friend... You always leave me in awe of your dedication and integrity,' UmaSofia wrote.

Meanwhile, Noelia added: 'Ever since I met you have I loved and admired you. You continue to set a great example everywhere you go. Proud of you.'

Stephanie declining the title comes just days after UmaSofia and Noelia quit their roles. 

Just seven months after accepting her win, Noelia cited mental health challenges for the reason behind her stepping down.

Two days later, Miss Teen USA UmaSofia, known previously as the former Miss New Jersey Teen USA, joined her in resigning from the organization, and claimed her personal values 'no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.'

The back-to-back announcements sent shockwaves through the beauty pageant industry, especially after eagle-eyed fans spotted a code in Noelia's statement, with the first letter of each sentence spelling out, 'I AM SILENCED.'

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

'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,' UmaSofia's statement (pictured) read

The joint statement from Miss USA 2023 contestants demanded that Noelia be 'free to speak on her experiences and time as Miss USA.' Pictured: UmaSofia (left) and Noelia (right)

Immediately, rumors erupted about what really led to the two women stepping away, with an insider accusing the Miss Universe Organization of creating 'harmful workplace conditions' and a 'toxic atmosphere,' the New York Post reported.

The Miss Universe Organization - which oversees the Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA competitions - helped turn beauty pageants into what they are today.

They were the first to broadcast their competitions on national TV in the 1950s - and following World War II and the Great Depression, people all across America became enthralled with watching the glamorous events play out each year.

The organization worked hard to make pageants more than a superficial competition designed to highlight the most stunning women around the globe; each competitor had to pick a cause to represent, and the winners worked tirelessly to raise awareness about their topic.

On the outside, it looked like the Miss Universe Organization had everything - immense popularity while giving women a platform to speak out against important subjects that they were passionate about.

But as quick as its dazzling rise came its controversial fall, and by the late 1990s, the company had become embroiled in scandal.