Noelia Voigt ‘overwhelmed’ by support after resigning as Miss USA (Exclusive)

• Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt exclusively tells PEOPLE that she has received an overwhelming amount of support since stepping down from her position.
• Voigt shares how she plans to become an “advocate for mental health awareness.”
• It was reported that the pageant’s executive director, Laylah Rose, allegedly created a toxic workplace, leading to Voigt’s departure.

Noelia Voigt has received overwhelming support since she relinquished her crown as Miss United States 2023.

Voigt, 24, exclusively tells PEOPLE that since relinquishing the title, she’s “really overwhelmed and grateful for the support (she’s) been receiving.”

Voigt, who resigned on Monday, May 6, citing her mental health, reflected on her decision at PEOPLE’s Exclusive 50th Anniversary Celebration Expo on Thursday, May 9 in New York City.

Voigt, who was crowned in September 2023, adds that she will “always be an advocate for mental health awareness and support.”

“The fact that I’ve been able to shed light on that and be someone that people can look up to in that sense, and let them know that if something isn’t good for you, it’s okay to walk away from it. he. “I’m grateful to be that beacon of light for people,” Voigt says.

He goes on to explain how mental health is “an incredibly relevant topic, especially today and in the post-COVID world.”

“It has always been very relevant, but more and more people are talking about it,” he says. “So the more we have more people in the public spotlight, shedding light on this and telling people that it’s okay, like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka, it’s okay. We just have to encourage each other.”

Both athletes took breaks from their sports to prioritize their mental health in 2021.

Voigt made her announcement via Instagram on Monday, writing in part: “In life, I highly value the importance of making decisions that feel best for you and your mental health.”

He added: “I realize this may come as a big shock to many. Never compromise on your physical and mental well-being. Never compromise on your physical and mental well-being. Our health is our wealth.”

NBC News obtained a copy of her resignation letter and reported that Voight accused the pageant’s executive director, Laylah Rose, of creating a toxic workplace after Voigt told her she had been sexually harassed at a Christmas event.

Voigt alleged that Rose told him in response: “We can’t stop people from saying things to you in public appearances; unfortunately, it’s part of the role you play as a public figure,” NBC News reported on May 9.

“There is a toxic work environment within the Miss USA organization that, at best, is poor management and, at worst, bullying and harassment,” Voigt’s letter reads, according to the outlet. “This started shortly after winning the title of Miss United States 2023.”

“It is incredibly jarring to be trying to do my job and constantly be threatened with disciplinary action, including docking my salary, for things that were never discussed with me and, if related to a public position, for example, were not causing any harm. separate issue of not meeting your personal preferences,” she added.

Voigt also claimed that Rose often criticized her behind her back.

“I have heard comments range from her describing me as difficult to work with for various false reasons, to weaponizing my mental health issues caused by my experience as Miss USA 2023, calling me ‘mentally ill’ in a derogatory manner, to expressing that I expected a baseball to hit me in the face at an event in which I would throw out the first pitch at a baseball game,” Voigt wrote, according to NBC News.

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Following her announcement, the Miss USA organization thanked Voigt for her service and said they “respect and support Noelia’s decision to step down from her duties.”

“The well-being of our champions is a top priority and we understand their need to prioritize themselves at this time,” the organization said in the statement obtained by PEOPLE earlier this week. “We are currently reviewing plans to transition responsibilities to a successor and will soon announce the coronation of the new Miss USA.”

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to connect with a certified crisis counselor.