Miss USA, A FL Native, Resigns Citing Mental Health

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — Miss USA Noelia Voigt, a Sarasota-area native, made the “very tough decision” to resign from the role because of mental health issues, she wrote in an Instagram post.

Voigt, who first won the Miss Utah title, was crowned Miss USA in Reno, Nevada, in September 2023.

A Venezuelan American, Voigt was born in Sarasota and graduated from Pine View School, WWSB reported.

“In life, I strongly value the importance of making decisions that feel best for you and your mental health,” she wrote. “As individuals, we grow through experiencing different things in life that lead us to learning more about ourselves. My journey as Miss USA has been incredibly meaningful, representing Utah with pride, and later the USA at Miss Universe. Sadly, I have made the very tough decision to resign from the title of Miss USA 2023.”

• Also Read: Miss UT, Sarasota County Native Noelia Voigt Wins Miss USA Title

“Thank you, Noelia, for your service as Miss USA. We wish you the best in this next chapter,” the Miss USA pageant wrote in an Instagram post. “We respect and support Noelia’s decision to step down from her duties. The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority, and we understand her need to prioritize herself at this time. We are currently reviewing plans for the transition of responsibilities to a successor, and we will soon announce the crowning of the new Miss USA.”

Voigt previously won the Miss Teen Florida title in 2018 and was named Miss Connecticut Collegiate America in 2021, according to the Suncoast News Network.

The interior design student also wrote a children’s anti-bullying book, “Maddie the Brave.”

During her time as Miss USA, Voigt worked with the organization Smile Train, and was an anti-bullying, dating violence awareness and prevention, and immigration rights and reform advocate, according to her Instagram post.

“I realize this may come as a large shock to many. Never compromise your physical and mental well-being. Our health is our wealth,” she wrote. “A million thank you's to all of you for your constant and unwavering support. Time to write the next chapter. I hope you’ll stick around to see what’s next.”