Miss USA Noelia Voigt suddenly steps down after just 7 months

Miss USA Noelia Voigt has stepped down after just seven months, citing her mental health.

The 24-year-old shared the shocking news in an Instagram post Monday morning.

“Never compromise your physical and mental well-being. Our health is our wealth,” Voigt captioned the social media message, which was posted just days after the start of Mental Health Awareness Month.

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

Voigt was crowned the 72nd Miss USA winner in Reno, Nevada, on Sept. 23, 2023, becoming the first Venezuelan-American woman to win the title.

She has previously spoken about being bullied as a teenager when she first began competing in pageants when she was 16 years old.

“I was so excited when I won that local pageant, and it was actually my ex-best friend who was the ringleader of it all,” Voigt told Business Insider. “I was really hurt and confused as to why people I thought were my friends were making fun of me for doing something that I was really excited about and that I was doing good things with.

“At first, it really did sting,” she said. “But it was clear to me that it was an attempt to steal the joy I had from this accomplishment.”

The experience inspired her to include anti-bullying advocacy in her pageant work and write an anti-bullying children’s book titled “Maddie the BRAVE.”

Before competing in Miss USA, Voight studied interior design at the University of Alabama and dreams of opening her own design firm and hosting a TV show, through which she would give back to families in need of a home makeover, according to the Miss USA website.

“Eternal gratitude fills my heart when I think about the platform I was given to make a difference, the feeling of achieving a lifelong dream, and connecting with people all over the world, just as I said I would do on the Miss USA stage,” she added.

“Deep down I know that this is just the beginning of a new chapter for me, and 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, and never be afraid of what the future holds, even if it feels uncertain,” Voigt added.

She concluded her heartfelt post: “How I wish I could hug all of you. I love you all with all of my heart and always will. Peace and love, always.”

The Miss USA organization shared their support for the model in an Instagram post and official statement.

“We respect and support former Miss USA Noelia Voigt’s decision to step down from her duties,” the organization told The Post, which has reached out for further comment.

“The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority, and we understand her need to prioritize herself at this time. The organization is currently reviewing plans for the transition of responsibilities to a successor and an announcement regarding the crowning of the new Miss USA will be coming soon.”

The Miss USA 2023 crown is now expected to be offered to the first runner-up, Miss Wisconsin USA Alexis Loomans, according to the rules.