Miss Michigan Alma Cooper has been crowned Miss USA 2024, following a recent period of controversy within the organization. The announcement was made Sunday at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, where Miss Kentucky Connor Perry was named the first runner-up and Miss Oklahoma Danika Christopherson the second runner-up.
This crowning comes just months after the resignations of former Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt and former Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava. Voigt cited mental health concerns, and Srivastava stated that her “values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization” as their reasons for stepping down.
Voigt’s resignation letter, obtained by ABC News, highlighted a “toxic work environment within the Miss USA organization” that she described as involving poor management, bullying, and harassment. She further alleged unsafe conditions and sexual harassment at events. Voigt also criticized Laylah Rose, president and CEO of the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA organizations, for being generally inaccessible and unsupportive.
In response, Rose issued an open letter on May 30 denying the allegations, asserting that the claims of harassment and bullying were false and emphasizing that such behavior would not be tolerated within the organization. Voigt countered by urging Rose to waive a non-disclosure agreement that she claimed prevented her from speaking further on the matter.
Following the resignations, the organization appointed Savannah Gankiewicz, Miss Hawaii USA and first runner-up in the 2023 Miss USA competition, as the new Miss USA 2023. The Miss Teen USA 2023 title remains vacant. Rose also announced initiatives to evolve the organization, including collaborations with the National Association for Mental Illness (NAMI) and the removal of the age requirement to enhance inclusivity.