Savannah Gankiewicz, the 28-year-old Miss Hawaii and 1st runner-up at Miss USA 2023, has been officially crowned Miss USA in a ceremony, prompting controversy online.
Gankiewicz's reign comes just weeks after Noelia Voigt's shocking resignation, citing mental health concerns due to an allegedly “toxic work environment” within the Miss USA organization.
In her resignation letter, reported by Entertainment Tonight, Voigt wrote, “There is a toxic work environment within the Miss USA organization that, at best, is poor management and, at worst, is bullying and harassment.
“I was made to feel unsafe at events without an effective handler, and this culminated in being sexually harassed.”
The coronation ceremony, held in Waikiki on Wednesday, saw Gankiewicz accept the crown and sash from Hawaii Governor Dr. Josh Green. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity while acknowledging the weight of the situation.
“This decision was not made lightly,” Gankiewicz stated. “But I believe this opportunity was meant for me, and I'm ready to make a positive impact.”
News of Gankiewicz's acceptance of the title on Instagram drew mixed reactions.
Though she wrote, “I stand with Noelia and admire her strength,” some fans questioned Gankiewicz’s choice to accept the crown considering the allegations against the organization.
One user wrote, “This is wrong, you should help a sister find her voice and not help silence it.”
Others offered support, with one user commenting, “I don’t think someone should give up their dreams and hard work in the name of “sisterhood.” I also think someone can equally support someone’s mental health while also pursuing their dreams and their own goals in life.”
Several users cited the importance of the crown being presented to a Hawaiian native, citing ways she could use her platform to raise awareness.
In her resignation letter, reported by Entertainment Tonight, Voigt wrote, “There is a toxic work environment within the Miss USA organization that, at best, is poor management and, at worst, is bullying and harassment.
“I was made to feel unsafe at events without an effective handler, and this culminated in being sexually harassed.”
Voigt was not alone in giving up her crown, shortly followed by Miss Teen USA – UmaSofia Srivastava – who also resigned citing a misalignment with the organization's direction. Unlike Gankiewicz, Miss Teen USA's runner-up declined the position.
The mothers of both Voigt and Srivastava appeared on Good Morning America, alleging mistreatment and bullying that led their daughters to give up their crowns.
Both women spoke about NDAs in their daughters' contracts that disallowed them from speaking about the “abuse” they faced as crowned winners.
“She is [silenced] and she will be the rest of her life if this NDA is being left. The girls need to speak,” Jackeline Voigt said.
The Miss USA organization has yet to directly address the specific allegations but maintains that the well-being of their titleholders is a priority.
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