Miss Teen USA gives up title days after Miss USA resigned
9 May 2024, 07:54 | Updated: 9 May 2024, 10:09
Miss Teen USA has given up her crown, just two days after Miss USA resigned to prioritise her mental health.
UmaSofia Srivastava, 17, said she was stepping down from the role because her "personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organisation".
Posting on Instagram, she said: "I am grateful for all the support from my family, my state directors, my sister queens, and the fans who have cheered me on since I won my state title.
"I will always look back on my time as Miss NJ Teen USA fondly, and the experience of representing my state as a first generation, Mexican-Indian American at the national level was fulfilling in itself."
She was crowned in September 2023.
Her announcement came after Miss USA Noelia Voigt said she was relinquishing her title with a message urging people to look after their mental health.
UmaSofia vowed to continue her work advocating for "education and acceptance".
She has written a children's book called The White Jaguar, which led to working with charities, and she said this work had always been her "true purpose".
She said she was looking forward to finishing high school and applying for university.
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In an Instagram post, Miss Teen USA said: "We respect and support UmaSofia's decision to step down from her duties.
"The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority."
The pageant said it was reviewing plans for "the transition of responsibilities to a successor".
Work is now taking place to replace both Miss USA and Miss Teen USA.
On Monday, 24-year-old Ms Voigt said her "journey as Miss USA has been incredibly meaningful" but she had made the "tough decision" to resign.
She said: "My hope is that I continue to inspire others to remain steadfast, prioritise 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."
(c) Sky News 2024: Miss Teen USA gives up title days after Miss USA resigned
