Former Miss USA Noelia Voigt has publicly expressed her solidarity with fellow beauty pageant contestants. Her strong support comes after Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch and other participants withdrew from a competition. They cited disrespect from Miss Universe executive Nawat Itsaragrisil.
Voigt, 26, shared her dismay on Instagram on Wednesday, November 5. “When I woke up yesterday morning and saw the video circulating online showing what happened, I was shocked, disgusted, disappointed, and truly horrified,” she wrote.
She drew a parallel to her own experience. “As someone who was Miss USA 2023 and then made the decision to resign my title, I understand what it feels like when your voice is ignored and your dignity belittled,” Voigt stated.
The controversy stems from a viral video. Itsaragrisil reportedly called Bosch, 25, “cabeza hueca,” a Spanish phrase meaning “silly” or “brainless.”
Itsaragrisil added, “You must listen to me first, then discuss with me.” He later offered an apology for his remarks.
“I think you must understand that the pressure is too much, sometimes I am human,” Itsaragrisil said during the ceremony. “I cannot control it. By the way, I have no intention to hurt anyone.”
Voigt herself resigned from her Miss USA title in May 2024, citing mental health concerns. She emphasized that the recent incident does not reflect the true spirit of pageantry.
“When I started competing in pageants in 2017, Miss USA and Miss Universe were symbols of empowerment,” Voigt explained. She noted these platforms could “transform a woman’s life in extraordinary ways.”
“What I witnessed yesterday is the complete opposite of that mission,” she concluded. “It does not align with who I am or what I stand for.”
Voigt specifically thanked Bosch for her “courage” and “unwavering stance.” She recognized Bosch’s actions as historic.
“The way you stood up for yourself and other women in that room, and also beyond, is historic,” Voigt said. “You already wear a crown of empowerment and the world sees it.”
She also commended Miss Universe Denmark, Victoria Kjær, and all other contestants who withdrew in protest. “When they stood up, they said something stronger than words,” Voigt wrote.
“We will not be silenced. We will not be humiliated. We will not be dehumanized. We will not be disrespected,” she affirmed. “To the men and women in power: Treat people as people.”
The Miss Universe organization has since responded to the incident. President Raúl Rocha Cantú posted a video on Tuesday, November 4. He strongly criticized Itsaragrisil’s “malicious acts” against Bosch.
“I will not allow the values of respect and dignity of women to be violated,” Rocha Cantú stated. He vowed “corporate and legal actions” in response.
Rocha Cantú also announced restrictions on Itsaragrisil’s involvement in the 74th Miss Universe events. His participation will be “limited to the maximum possible or completely eliminated.”
Voigt has made it clear she will continue advocating for pageant contestants globally. “Let’s keep speaking out, together,” she urged.