Current:Home > ScamsMoms of Former Miss USA and Miss Teen USA Detail Daughters' "Nightmare" Experiences -Visionary Wealth Guides
Moms of Former Miss USA and Miss Teen USA Detail Daughters' "Nightmare" Experiences
View
Date:2025-04-18 18:13:38
The moms of former Miss USA and Miss Teen USA are speaking up for their daughters.
A week after Noelia Voigt and UmaSofia Srivastava rocked the pageant world by sharing their decisions to step down from their respective roles their moms Jackeline Voigt and Barbara Srivastava shared more insight into their daughters' experiences with the pageant organization.
"I want to make it clear, it's not about what they can get, the prizes," Barbara said on Good Morning America May 14 in a joint interview with Jackeline. "It's about how they were ill-treated, abused, bullied and cornered."
"The job of their dreams turned out to be a nightmare," she continued. "We could not continue this charade."
The pair said that Noelia—who cited mental health for her decision—and UmaSofia, who expressed that her personal values no longer aligned with the organization, are bound by confidentiality clauses that prevented them from speaking out.
Jackeline recalled to GMA the first time she knew something was wrong when Noelia, who was crowned Miss USA in September, was approached by a man at a Christmas parade in Florida, an encounter that she ultimately reported to the organization.
"I saw Noelia so stressed out, and I said, 'What happened?'" Jackeline recalled. "She said, 'Mom, get in the car.' When I got in the car, I said, ‘What happened?' because I know he said something but I couldn't get it."
"He told Noelia, 'Are you into old men with money?'" she continued. "And made Noelia very, very uncomfortable." Jackeline alleged that when the 24-year-old told the organization, Miss USA CEO and President Laylah Rose responded to Noelia by noting the organization couldn't prevent people from saying things to her during public appearances.
After Noelia resigned, Barbara said UmaSofia, who also won her title in September, was ready to follow suit.
"When she saw that they were tying in Noelia's mental health," Barbara recounted of Noelia's resignation, UmaSofia said, "'I cannot stand for this. I need to stand up for Noelia.'"
Jackeline and Barbara are calling for Laylah to step down from her role and are urging pageant participants to reconsider their decision to compete.
"Look at what happened to Noelia and UmaSofia," Jackeline shared. "So, really pay attention. We don't want them to go through this right now. It's not the right time to participate."
She added, "We just don't want these families and these girls to go through what we went through."
In a statement to ABC News, The Miss USA Organization shared, "We are committed to fostering a healthy, communicative and supportive environment for all contestants, state titleholders, national titleholders and staff."
She concluded her letter by writing that she feels it is unsafe for future Miss Universe Organization title holders, adding, "Every statement you have ever put out about MUO's morals and integrity directly contradicts what is happening within the USA organization."
While Noelia expressed her gratitude for her time as Miss USA in her statement on social media, her resignation to the organization, obtained by NBC News May 9, offered a much more candid reflection of her experience.
The eight-page letter, per the outlet, described "a toxic work environment within the Miss USA Organization that, at best, is poor management and, at worst, is bullying and harassment."
Noelia further accused Laylah of speaking badly of her to others in the organization.
She concluded her letter by writing that she feels it is unsafe for future Miss Universe Organization title holders, adding, "Every statement you have ever put out about MUO's morals and integrity directly contradicts what is happening within the USA organization."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (87622)
Related
- Rylee Arnold Shares a Long
- Hawaii governor says Biden could decide within days whether to remain in the presidential race
- Megan Fox, Machine Gun Kelly, Tom Brady, more at Michael Rubin's July 4th party
- Amtrak service from New York City to Boston suspended for the day
- How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
- U.S. troops leaving Niger bases this weekend and in August after coup, officials say
- Alex Palou kicks off IndyCar hybrid era with pole at Mid-Ohio
- New parents in Baltimore could get $1,000 if voters approve ‘baby bonus’ initiative
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- 15 firefighters suffer minor injuries taking on a Virginia warehouse blaze
Ranking
- 'Vanderpump Rules' star DJ James Kennedy arrested on domestic violence charges
- Two inmates charged with murder recaptured after escape from Mississippi jail
- Brad Pitt and Girlfriend Ines de Ramon Make Rare Appearance at F1 British Grand Prix
- Copa America 2024 highlights: After 0-0 tie, Uruguay beats Brazil on penalty kicks
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- Florida sees COVID-19 surge in emergency rooms, near last winter's peaks
- At Essence, Black Democrats rally behind Biden and talk up Kamala Harris
- Off-duty NYPD officer who was among 4 killed when drunk driver crashed into nail salon laid to rest
Recommendation
Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
Think you're helping your child excel in sports? You may want to think again
Alec Baldwin is about to go on trial in the death of a cinematographer. Here are key things to know
Copa America 2024 highlights: After 0-0 tie, Uruguay beats Brazil on penalty kicks
FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
Tour de France rider fined for stopping to kiss wife during time trial
Beryl bears down on Texas, where it is expected to hit after regaining hurricane strength
2 inmates who escaped a Mississippi jail are captured