Scandal in the pageant world: Why did Miss USA and Miss Teen USA both quit?

[Nevilledog]

https://www.salon.com/2024/05/09/scandal-in-the-pageant-world-why-miss-usa-and-miss-teen-usa-both-quit/

The world of pageants is seemingly never without controversy, but this week's news that both the reigning Miss USA and Miss Teen USA relinquished their crowns for unclear reasons has caused wider speculation about the state of the Miss USA Organization.

On May 6, Noelia Voigt announced that she was resigning as Miss USA, saying she had to do what was best for her mental health. Only two days later, UmaSofia Srivastava, the current Miss Teen USA, wrote on Instagram that she would also resign from the role, saying that her “personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.” Both winners are Latina women: Voigt is of Venezuelan heritage while Srivastava is of both Mexican and Indian ancestry.

Their cryptic Instagram statements and lack of any clear context for their sudden resignations have granted a peek behind the scenes of their parent organization amid mounting public scrutiny on pageants as a whole.

So why are people theorizing that Voigt's Instagram statement spelled out "I AM SILENCED" with the first letters of the first 11 sentences? And why did Srivastava's resignation start with an improbable quote from Friedrich Nietzsche, perhaps alluding to the tumultuous underbelly of pageantry?

*snip*

Can't remember the last time I even heard about these pageants. I thought they weren't still happening tbh

[snowybirdie]

1. Didnt Trump

Own both these pageants? Not surprised they are corrupt.

[TexasBushwhacker]

2. He used to own Miss Universe

[Blue Owl]

3. Clearly Donald von Pantload fancies himself as Mr. Universe

[TexasBushwhacker]

5. He definitely thinks he's a lady's man

Candice Bergen was set up on a date with him. He showed in a burgundy limo, wearing a burgundy tux and matching burgundy boots. She said it was a "short night".

[jimfields33]

7. No. Where did you get this? Link.

[snowybirdie]

11. Maybe wrong pagent

But who know which is which

https://www.politifact.com/article/2016/oct/18/allegations-about-donald-trump-and-miss-teen-usa-c/

[dem4decades]

4. I think he told Howard Stern he'd walk into the dressing room when teens were undressing.

He's a pig.

[Irish_Dem]

6. How many did he corner in their dressing rooms?

How many did he make promises about helping them win the contest?

[dem4decades]

8. They probably all had to sign NDA's to participate.

[Irish_Dem]

10. Yes. Before he tells them what they have to do to get out of the trailer park.

[JI7]

9. They are mostly outdated

Places like Philippines, India, Latin American nations are where they mostly remain popular but even they will lose interest as those places become less poor. Because these places view winning these things as national pride.

[marble falls]

12. Is TFG still walking into dressing rooms without knocking?