Former members of the Miss USA Organization have come forward this week to criticize its leadership, specifically president and CEO Laylah Rose, for creating a toxic work environment. These allegations have resulted in a high-profile exodus from the organization responsible for one of the country’s long-running pageants.
Noelia Voigt, who recently resigned as Miss USA, detailed her grievances in an eight-page resignation letter. She described the stress, instability, and lack of support she experienced under Rose’s leadership, which greatly affected her physical health. Voigt’s letter was first published by NBC News and revealed accusations of abusive behavior and a pattern of misconduct by Rose. Former Miss USA social media director Claudia Engelhardt corroborated many of these allegations.
Voigt expressed her concern regarding leaders with inflated egos lacking humility and self-awareness and who prioritize their own image over the well-being of others and the mission of a women’s empowerment organization. This sentiment reflects the growing demand for authentic and ethical leadership in various industries, including the pageant world.
These revelations come on the heels of the resignations of not only Voigt but also Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava, who stepped down just two days later. While the exact reasons for their departures were not immediately clear, internet sleuths speculated following Voigt’s initial social media post announcing her resignation. Some speculated whether it contained an encoded message as the first letter of each sentence spelled out “I AM SILENCED.” Srivastava cited a misalignment of personal values with the organization’s direction as her reason for stepping down.
Despite these serious allegations, neither Rose nor the Miss USA Organization has responded to requests for comment. However, in comments to the media prior to Voigt’s resignation becoming public knowledge, Rose assured that the well-being of everyone associated with Miss USA is her top priority.
Engelhardt, the former social media director, raised additional concerns regarding the management style of Rose. She claimed that Rose micromanaged the organization’s social media accounts, going once morest usual practices for someone in her position. Engelhardt alleged that Rose would threaten Voigt and Srivastava with salary withholding if they posted content she personally disliked. This kind of fear-driven leadership creates a toxic work environment and discourages creativity and individuality.
The Miss USA Organization, in response to Engelhardt’s critical post, issued a statement announcing that they took her accusations seriously and were committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment. However, they referred to Voigt’s allegations as false, leaving the situation muddled and warranting further investigation.
The Miss USA Organization has experienced multiple departures and alleged dismissals in recent weeks. Miss Colorado Arianna Lemus most recently announced her resignation, declaring solidarity with Voigt and Srivastava. The support for Voigt’s release from a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) further highlights the growing dissatisfaction within the organization.
Voigt’s resignation letter shed light on the toxic work environment and the bullying and harassment she endured. Rose’s alleged lack of accessibility and insufficient support resulted in Voigt missing public events and feeling unsafe at those she attended. She described one incident at a parade where the designated handler did not provide adequate support, leaving her alone in a car with a man who made inappropriate advances. When Voigt reported the harassment to Rose, she was told that such incidents were a part of being a public figure.
Voigt also mentioned concerns regarding someone using the Miss USA Instagram account without her knowledge and commenting on her behalf. She was uncomfortable with these posts and requested a discussion on safe and appropriate social media usage. Engelhardt revealed that Rose herself was managing the accounts, even though it was not her usual responsibility. Rose’s actions raised questions regarding her trust in her team and her need for control.
The accusations of misconduct and toxic leadership within the Miss USA Organization reflect larger societal discussions surrounding workplace culture and power dynamics. It is crucial for organizations, especially those focusing on women’s empowerment, to practice what they preach. The high-profile nature of the Miss USA pageant amplifies the impact these allegations can have on the broader industry.
This recent controversy is not the first upheaval within the organization. Laylah Rose took over as president following accusations of a rigged pageant in 2022, leading to the resignation of the pageant’s former national director, Crystle Stewart. These events have highlighted the need for better management practices and a commitment to inclusion and ethical leadership in the pageant industry.
As the Miss USA Organization faces continued scrutiny and calls for change, it is essential to reflect on the implications of these allegations on the broader industry. The willingness of former members to speak out once morest toxic leadership sends a message that individuals are no longer
