Miss Colorado stepping down in support of Miss USA, Miss Teen USA
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DENVER (KDVR) — Another title holder in the Miss Universe Organization is stepping down.
Miss Colorado USA Arianna Lemus announced on Friday that she would be stepping down to stand in solidarity with former Miss USA Noelia Voigt and former Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava.
Lemus posted on Instagram saying, “Silencing women is not the definition of pageantry.”
This news comes after Voigt and Srivastava resigned within a week of each other and shocking the Miss Universe Organization. The resignations leave the longstanding pageant group without its top two titleholders for the first time in 72 years, shining a spotlight on its practices.
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Both women cited mental health and personal values as their reasons for leaving the organization.
“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,” Voight said.
Lemus, who is a student at Capella University studying pre-counseling, said she is revoking her role over the urgent need to reform the Miss USA Organization.
“I stand in solidarity with Noelia and UmaSofia, former Miss USA and Miss Teen USA 2023, as I step down from my role as Miss Colorado USA. Noelia and UmaSofia’s voices have been stifled by the constraints of a contract that undermines their rights and dignity. These remarkable women serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for reform with the Miss USA Organization,” Lemus said on Instagram.
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The resignations have drawn calls for more transparency into Miss USA and its parent organization, both of which have faced controversy and scrutiny in the past.
The Miss Universe Organization, which runs the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants, could not be reached for comment.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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