The current Miss USA has said she is relinquishing her title to prioritise her mental health.

Noelia Voigt, 24, won the beauty pageant last year and represented the US at the Miss Universe competition in El Salvador in November.

Posting on Instagram, she said: “In life, I strongly value the importance of making decisions that feel best for you and your mental health.

“As individuals, we grow through experiencing different things in life that lead us to learning more about ourselves.

“My journey as Miss USA has been incredibly meaningful, representing Utah with pride, and later the USA at Miss Universe.

“Sadly, I have made the very tough decision to resign from the title of Miss USA 2023.”

The Miss USA pageant said it accepted Voigt’s resignation.

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“We respect and support former Miss USA Noelia Voigt’s decision to step down from her duties,” a spokesperson for the pageant told Sky’s US partner network NBC News.

“The well-being of our titleholders is a top priority, and we understand her need to prioritise herself at this time.”

The pageant said it was reviewing plans for “the transition of responsibilities to a successor”.

Voigt said she was grateful for the platform to speak about social issues such as anti-bullying, dating violence, immigration rights and reforms, as well as her heritage as the first Venezuelan American woman to hold the crown as Miss USA.

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“Never could I have imagined the journey that my childhood dream would take me on,” she continued in her social media post.

“Constant and consistent hard work and dedication all lead me to where I am today, and I hope that over the last seven years of competing in pageantry and sharing my journey with you all is something that inspires you to never give up on your dreams, whatever they may be.”

She added: “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, prioritise 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.”

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