Miss Teen USA runner-up Miss NY Teen declines position amid UmaSofia Srivastava's resignation

Miss NY Teen USA has declined the invitation to replace Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava following her resignation.

Stephanie Skinner, the New York titleholder who was the first runner-up in the 2023 Miss Teen USA competition, shared a statement Sunday explaining her choice amid the controversy surrounding Srivastava and Miss USA Noelia Voigt's resignations.

"In light of recent events, I have decided to decline the title of Miss Teen USA 2023. This was not an easy decision. I hope for respect of my choice that this was a decision I never asked to make," Skinner wrote in a post on Instagram.

Skinner added: "Although I do not know exactly what Noelia and Uma went through to lead them to resign, I am sending them immense love and support."

Voigt said in a statement posted to social media on May 6 that she was making the "tough decision" to resign to preserve her mental health. Two days later, Srivastava announced on her Instagram that she would relinquish the title as her "personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization."

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Skinner added in her post that part of the reason she declined is due to accepting a "global research career opportunity in Thailand that will require me to live abroad for the summer."

"What I do know is that more core values are integrity, honor, kindness, and most importantly I will always stand for female empowerment. I believe we all deserve the power to use our voices," she concluded. "Yes, I would be grateful for this platform to be a national representation for young women across the country, but I believe this is the right decision to make."

In her caption, Miss NY Teen added: "Always let your actions speak louder than your words and never let anyone speak for you. Please know this is such a difficult position to be put in."

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USA TODAY has reached out to Miss USA Organization for comment.

Srivastava commented under Skinner's post, "I am so grateful to call you my friend. You always leave me in awe of your dedication and integrity." 

Voigt added, "Ever since I met you have I loved and admired you. You continue to set a great example everywhere you go. Proud of you."

Exclusive:Former Miss USA staffer says organization caused pageant winners' mental health to decline

In a statement previously shared with USA TODAY following Srivastava's resignation, Miss USA CEO and President Laylah Rose said, "Our all-encompassing goal at Miss USA is to celebrate and empower women. Our participants make a real difference in this country and around the globe."

Rose's statement continued, "All along, my personal goal as the head of this organization has been to inspire women to always create new dreams, have the courage to explore it all, and continue to preserve integrity along the way. I hold myself to these same high standards and I take these allegations seriously. Please be assured that the well-being of all individuals associated with Miss USA is my top priority."

Claudia Engelhardt, a former Miss USA social media director who resigned the same week as Srivastava and Voigt, told USA TODAY Friday the "stepping down of Noelia and Uma is a direct response to the current ownership and current management of the Miss USA brand."

"They are the ones that are responsible for Noelia and Uma's mental health decline. And it was documented that they knew it and they did nothing about it," she alleged.

Contributing: KiMi Robinson