Miss New York Teen USA Stephanie Skinner made headlines as she revealed that she was offered the crown of Miss Teen USA 2023 following UmaSofia Srivastava’s surprise resignation last week. However, Skinner has declined the title, stating that she is focusing on other dreams this year, according to latest reports.
“It was an extremely hard decision to make,” says Skinner, 19. “I worked so hard and sacrificed so much for this goal to become Miss Teen USA, and although this title was a dream of mine, I believe one thing I will never give up is my character.”
Skinner felt that turning down the opportunity was “the right decision.” She emphasized the importance of integrity and character, especially in light of recent events.
“I think it’s really important to note that we give our entire life to work towards a goal like this, but in light of recent events, integrity and character have to come first,” she says. “I just think that this was the best decision for me.”
Skinner’s decision comes after Srivastava’s resignation, who announced her decision on Instagram, citing that her “personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.”Â
Two days before Srivastava’s announcement, Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt also resigned from her title, emphasising the importance of physical and mental well-being.
Miss USA publicly wished both winners well in the wake of their decisions. Srivastava expressed that while resigning was not her first choice, she is excited to explore her future and find what makes her her again.
For Skinner, who will crown a new Miss New York Teen winner at the end of June, her professional goals come first. This summer, she will participate in an eight-week-long global research programme as a data marketing analyst in Bangkok, Thailand — a prior commitment that she intends to honour.