'I am silenced': More pageant queens step down after Miss USA, Miss Teen USA resignation

The sudden resignation of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA just days apart has triggered a fresh wave of scrutiny and criticism into the Miss Universe Organisation over its mistreatment and extreme mental pressure, CNN reported. 

First Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt resigned followed by Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava and now Miss Colorado Arianna Lemus has also decided to give up her title.

Voigt, 24, announcing her exit wrote a long cryptic post, citing mental health being the reason behind her leaving, however, fans were quick to notice a hidden message between the words. The first letter of the first 11 sentences in the post spelled out "I am silenced."

In her post, she outlined a number of concerns ranging from frustrating managerial issues to more serious allegations such as "toxic work environment", "bullying", and "harassing". 

She also accused the pageant’s chief executive Laylah Rose of "slandering her character". 

The PR representative for both Voigt and Srivastaava has reportedly stated that both the winners are restricted by “ironclad” non-disclosures agreements in their contracts.

Since then, many beauty pageant holders have been coming out to lend their support to the Queens. 

Former Miss Tennesse USA said, "Pageantry has really had a positive impact on the lives of countless young women but we have to stop and listen to what's happening with these young women."