Miss USA Savannah Gankiewicz has recently opened up about the death threats and hateful messages she has received in the wake of her predecessor’s resignation.
In a video posted by Pageant News on their Twitter/X account, Gankiewicz opened up about the harassment she has been receiving in an emotional speech.
“Since I’ve gotten this title, I’ve dealt with a lot of bullying and harassment, and it really does, it breaks my heart,” Gankiewicz said. “Sorry. I didn’t want to cry, but I just feel like it’s hard, because I wish people saw where my heart is coming from.”
“And it’s helping Lahaina and helping Maui residents and having a platform, but also showing young women that you can get bullied and you can hurt but you stand back up and you keep going and you keep using your voice.”
Gankiewicz, who was previously crowned Miss Hawaii 2023, was crowned in crowned Miss USA in a special coronation and ceremony earlier this month, following the resignation of former Miss USA Noelia Voight’s registration on May 6.
In an Instagram post, Voight said that she chose to resign to focus on her mental health. However, a copy of Voight’s resignation letter was acquired by NBC News, where she accused Miss USA CEO and president, Laylah Rose, of creating a toxic work environment and failing to address a sexual harassment issue she raised. Voight also accused Rose of poor communication, bad-mouthing her to other’s in the organization and and threatening to end her salary “for things that were never discussed with me.”
Voight made it clear that she takes these allegations seriously and that “the well-being of all individuals associated with Miss USA is my top priority.”
When Gankiewicz accepted the title, she said she stood with Voight and that it wasn’t a decision “made lightly.” In a statement posted on her Instagram, Gankiewicz said, “I stand with Noelia and admire her strength to step down and to prioritize her mental health. Noelia, it was the honor of a lifetime to share the stage with you during your crowning moment and I wish you all the best in your next chapter.”
Gankiewicz will hold the title of Miss USA until August when a new Miss USA will be crowned.
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