An unprecedented series of abdications has upended the line of succession within the Miss Universe organization, bringing fresh chaos to a 73-year-old pageant outfit that has been plagued in recent years by leadership shake-ups, financial troubles, and accusations of cheating and toxicity.
The organization has been rushing to fill two of its most eminent crowns after Miss USA Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava stepped down last week and offered harsh criticism of pageant executives. It also has spurred at least one more resignation: Arianna Lemus on Friday announced she would relinquish her crown as Miss Colorado USA.