Allison DeMarcus, a former Miss Tennessee Teen USA and Miss Tennessee America, and now CEO of the Miss Volunteer America pageant, told People : "The Miss America pageant has truly had a positive impact on the lives of countless young women, but we have to stop and listen to what's going on with these young women."
Allison DeMarcus is a former Miss Tennessee Teen USA and Miss Tennessee America,
Alison, wife of Jay DeMarcus - a member of the country music group Rascal Flatts - said: "I don't think either of them would take this bold and brave step if there wasn't a really compelling reason to do so."
She went on to note that the fact that Noelia Voigt "speaks volumes", noting that Voigt "is the first beauty queen in the 72-year history of the pageant to relinquish her crown". Alison added: "It's very courageous of Voigt to speak out because she's lost everything."
Voigt made his announcement via Instagram on May 6: "In life, I truly appreciate the importance of making decisions that feel best for you and your mental health."
Noelia Voigt (left) and UmaSofia Srivastava
Then, just two days later, Srivastava announced she was returning the crown in an Instagram post. She wrote: "My personal values do not align with the organization's direction."
Reflecting on her decision at People magazine's 50th anniversary exhibition on May 9, Voigt said she felt "grateful" to be able to "show people that if something is not good for you, you can stay away from it."
The Miss America Organization previously released a statement thanking Voigt for her service and saying they respected and supported "Noelleia's decision to step down from her duties." On May 9, they announced Miss Hawaii USA Savannah Gankiewicz as the new Miss America 2023.
Miss America's social media director Claudia Michelle announced her resignation on May 4. In her resignation letter, Michelle criticized the entire Miss America organization, speaking out about allegations of "toxicity" and "bullying" at the organization.
Miss America Organization CEO and President Laylah Rose responded to Michelle's allegations in a statement to People at the time, saying she took the allegations "seriously." Rose added: "Rest assured that the health of all individuals associated with Miss America is my top priority."
Allegations of toxicity were also made in Voigt's resignation letter, a copy of which was obtained by NBC News on May 9. Voigt's letter reads: "There is a toxic work environment within the Miss America organization, characterized by poor management at best and bullying and harassment at worst. This began shortly after I won the Miss America 2023 title."
UmaSofia Srivastava crowned Miss Teen USA 2023
Alison DeMarcus said she founded Miss Volunteer America “to create a positive environment for young women to achieve their goals.” While Alison said she doesn’t feel the need to offer advice to Srivastava or Voigt, she was “extremely impressed” with the way the women handled the situation.
"I just encourage young women, whether it's in pageants or other aspects of their lives, to take note and listen, because the reality is that Voigt and Srivastava are saying: stand up for yourself. Don't be afraid. Speak up if something doesn't feel right," she added.
The Miss America organization did not respond to People 's request for comment on the incident.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/vi-sao-2-hoa-hau-my-tra-lai-vuong-mien-185240511182300814.htm
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