New Miss USA Crowned Amid Controversy

Miss Michigan, Alma Cooper, was crowned Miss USA 2024 on Sunday, August 4, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. The first runner-up was Miss Kentucky, Connor Perry, and the second runner-up was Miss Oklahoma, Danika Christopherson. This year’s pageant took place amid significant controversy following the resignation of previous titleholders.

Earlier this year, Miss USA 2023, Noelia Voigt, and former Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia Srivastava, resigned from their titles. Voigt cited mental health issues and a “toxic work environment” within the Miss USA organization as reasons for her departure. She accused the organization of poor management, bullying, and harassment. Voigt also claimed that the president and CEO of the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA organizations, Laylah Rose, was unresponsive and did not support her adequately.

In response to these allegations, Laylah Rose issued an open letter on May 30, denying the claims of harassment and bullying. She assured that such behavior would not be tolerated and promised to take immediate action if necessary. Rose also stated that the Miss USA organization is working to improve, including partnering with the National Association for Mental Illness (NAMI) to provide support and counseling for contestants.

Voigt responded to Rose’s letter on Instagram, stating that Rose’s claims were inaccurate and that a non-disclosure agreement was preventing her from sharing her side of the story. She urged Rose to waive the NDA so she could speak freely.

In the meantime, Miss Hawaii, Savannah Gankiewicz, has been named the new Miss USA 2023, taking over from Voigt.