The world of US beauty pageants has been described as “such a hot mess” in recent weeks.
With two reigning beauty queens stepping down within a short span, the industry, which often promotes an image of perfection, finds itself grappling with challenges that reflect shifting social norms.
The drama unfolded when 24-year-old Miss USA 2023, Noelia Voigt, relinquished her crown, citing mental health concerns in a cryptic Instagram post that hinted at feeling silenced. Allegations emerged that a driver had made inappropriate advances towards her, and her complaints to pageant president Laylah Rose reportedly received little support.
In her resignation letter, Voigt accused Rose of threatening to withhold her salary over minor issues and expressing disturbing wishes for her harm. Soon after, Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava also resigned, citing a misalignment of personal values with the organization.
These resignations have thrown the Miss USA organization into disarray, with accusations of mismanagement and a hostile work environment surfacing.
Many of these accusations center on Laylah Rose, the organization’s president, whose relationship with Voigt appeared positive on social media but reportedly differed in reality. Moreover, ongoing turbulence within the organization, marked by leadership changes and declining viewership, has complicated efforts to modernize the pageants and promote female empowerment.
Hilary Levey Friedman, author of “Here She Is,” notes that the controversy at Miss USA is unprecedented. While pageant controversies are not new, recent events reflect broader societal shifts towards women’s empowerment and advocacy against workplace harassment.
The current wave of feminism encourages women to use their voices and challenge entrenched norms, a sentiment echoed in the beauty pageant arena. However, controversies within pageants, such as allegations of vote rigging and mismanagement, underscore ongoing challenges in balancing tradition with progress.
While beauty pageants have evolved over time, they remain a cultural touchstone, reflecting and shaping societal attitudes towards beauty, femininity, and empowerment. As Friedman suggests, while their prominence may have diminished in some respects, they continue to exert influence through various forms of media and entertainment.
In essence, the turmoil within US beauty pageants highlights a broader conversation about gender, power, and representation in contemporary society.