Miss USA Savannah Gankiewicz receives death threats, levels bullying allegations
The controversy surrounding the beauty pageants in America got a whole lot murkier. Savannah Gankiewicz, the reigning Miss USA, has publicly disclosed receiving death threats and enduring bullying since her recent coronation. Crowned in a special ceremony in Waikiki, Hawaii on May 15, following the resignation of her predecessor Noelia Voigt, Gankiewicz expressed her ordeal in a video. "Since I've gotten this title, I've dealt with a lot of bullying and harassment," she confessed.
Gankiewicz shared intentions behind holding Miss USA title
In the same video, Gankiewicz expressed her desire for people to understand her intentions behind holding the title. "I wish people saw where my heart is coming from. And it's helping Lahaina and helping Maui residents...having a platform, but also showing women that you can get bullied and you can hurt, but you can stand back up, and you keep going, and you keep using your voice," she stated.
Voigt's resignation hinted at toxic environment in Miss USA Organization
Voigt resigned from her title on May 6, announcing that she instead aimed to focus on her mental health. However, a copy of Voigt's resignation letter obtained by NBC News revealed accusations against the Miss USA Organization's CEO of fostering a "toxic work environment" and neglecting to address a sexual harassment incident. "There is a toxic work environment within the Miss USA organization that, at best, is poor management and, at worst, is bullying and harassment," Voigt wrote.
High-profile figures resigned following Voigt's departure
Following Voigt's resignation, other high-profile figures associated with the pageant also stepped down. These included Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava (who was crowned in September 2023) and Miss USA's social media manager Claudia Michelle. Both cited issues with the organization as reasons for their departure. Gankiewicz is set to hold the title until August when a new Miss USA will be crowned.
Gankiewicz accepted this responsibility to make a 'positive change'
Gankiewicz, who belongs to Hawaii, is a model and is reportedly best known for running a female empowerment nonprofit organization. She was the first runner-up at the pageant in September 2023, and hence the first choice to replace Voigt. After her crowning, she told KHON-TV, "I wanted people to know that I've taken this title because I feel like it is a responsibility and an opportunity to make a positive change from within."
