A TEEN beauty queen is relinquishing her crown days after Miss USA announced she is stepping down.
UmaSofia Srivastava, 17, shared on social media that she is giving up her Miss Teen USA title on Wednesday.
“I am grateful for all the support from my family, my state directors, my sister queens, and the fans who have cheered me on since I won my state title,” she wrote on Instagram.
“I will always look back on my time as Miss NJ Teen USA fondly, and the experience of representing my state as a first generation, Mexican-Indian American at the national level was fulfilling in itself.”
Srivastava said the decision came after careful consideration, adding that her personal values no longer align with the direction of the organization.
Still, she plans to continue her advocacy for education and acceptance through her multi-lingual children’s book, The White Jaguar, and the non-profit organizations she has worked with in the past.
“This work has always been my TRUE purpose. I look forward to the rest of the year as I finish 11th grade as part of the National Honor Society and start the college application process, knowing that my academic career has been defined by my hard work, and my hard work alone.
“Most importantly, thank you to those who support me for who I am and have always been, not for who I’ve momentarily become.”
Many supporters flooded Srivastava’s page, praising her for the decision.
“Your maturity and grace is extraordinary, Uma,” wrote one person. “So proud of you and excited to see what the future brings for you.”
“We all love you and we’re all behind you,” wrote another person. “Stand strong!”
A third wrote: “It’s nice to see a role model for teens with so much integrity. Wish you all the best as you pursue your future.”
The news comes just days after Miss USA Noelia Voigt said she was resigning to prioritize her mental health.
Voigt, 24, who had earned the crown in September shared on Instagram that she was relinquishing her title.
“Deep down I know that this is just the beginning of a new chapter for me, and my hope is that I continue to inspire others to remain steadfast, prioritize your mental health, advocate for yourself and others by using your voice, and never be afraid of what the future holds, even if it feels uncertain,” wrote Voight.
The Miss USA Pageant said in a statement that it respected Voigt’s decision.
“We respect and support former Miss USA Noelia Voigt’s decision to step down from her duties,” it said.
“The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority, and we understand her need to prioritize herself at this time.”
The pageant is now reviewing plans for the “transition of responsibilities to a successor” and is expected to make an accountment soon.
To win Miss USA, contestants need to win their state-level pageants first.
Miss USA is decided through several preliminary competitions, which include a swimsuit competition, an evening gown competition, and a closed-door interview.
The results of these competitions determine 19 semi-finalists, who advance to the first cut.
Fans can also vote for their favorite contestant to advance to the semifinals through internet voting.
The 20 semi-finalists compete in both the swimsuit and evening gown competitions until five finalists are left.
After this, the finalists compete in a question-and-answer round with a final speech.
At the live finale, the runners-up and new titleholder are announced.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to reps for the Miss Teen USA Pageant
