Previous Miss USA Warned New Winner: "You'll Sign Your Soul to the Devil"

Savannah Gankiewicz, Miss USA, is discussing the controversy that shook the beauty pageant industry.

In August 2023, Miss USA Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava were crowned, but two days apart, they both resigned. Miss Hawaii 2023, Gankiewicz, who was the first runner-up to Miss USA, accepted the title two weeks later during a ceremony in Waikiki, Hawaii, where she was crowned by Hawaii Gov. Dr. Josh Green.

Gankiewicz will crown her successor at the upcoming Miss USA pageant on Aug. 4 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, just three months after being crowned Miss USA. During an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital ahead of the pageant, Gankiewicz recalled how she reacted upon hearing that Voigt had stepped down.

Gankiewicz, 28, was in Bali when he received the call because he lived there part-time, and he was taken aback. He didn't know how to handle the situation.

The resignations of Voigt and Srivastava have led to much speculation, with Voigt announcing her departure on Instagram on May 6, stating that she was doing so due to her "mental health."

Srivastava initially communicated her decision to resign more directly, stating on Instagram that she had carefully considered her choice and found that her personal values no longer aligned with the organization's direction.

In a letter obtained by ABC News and other outlets, Voigt accused the organization of fostering a toxic work culture and criticized President and CEO of the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA organizations Laylah Rose.

The Miss USA organization has a toxic work environment that ranges from poor management to bullying and harassment. This became apparent soon after winning the title of Miss USA 2023.

Rose was generally inaccessible for communication and when there was communication, she claimed that the president was often cold and unnecessarily aggressive, according to her.

Voigt stated that she felt unsafe while representing the organization at events, which ultimately led to her being sexually harassed at the 2023 Sarasota Christmas Parade.

Noelia Voigt resigned from her role as Miss USA, leaving Savannah Gankiewicz shocked.

She claimed that the organization failed to provide a chaperone or traveling companion at future events, leaving her alone.

In her letter, Voigt accused Rose of creating a culture of fear and control that is detrimental to women's empowerment and is making the workplace unsafe for future leaders and staff.

In response to Voigt's resignation letter, Rose issued a statement strongly refuting the beauty queen's claims.

The recent false allegations made by individuals representing our former titleholder have left us feeling very disappointed.

We assure you that any allegations of sexual harassment, toxic environment, and bullying are not true. Such behavior is not accepted, and we would take immediate action to protect our titleholder and provide access to appropriate resources if it ever occurred.

The claim that the previous titleholder did not receive adequate communication and support is untrue; we consistently communicated about events and procedures and made all necessary services available, but most of them were disregarded or unused by the titleholder.

"We organized numerous events (with a chaperone present) for her to showcase her accomplishments and feature her "passion" projects, but many of these events were canceled unexpectedly and without explanation."

"We are steadfast in our dedication to maintaining the values and ethos of the Miss USA brand on a daily basis. The Miss USA crown represents accomplishment and requires a pledge to work diligently and handle the pressures of the job. Change is essential for growth, success, and progress. The Miss USA National Pageant will continue to adapt to the future for the betterment of all women."

During an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital, Gankiewicz admitted that she was initially unsure about accepting the title of Miss USA.

""The first runner-up takes the opportunity on the national stage if the winner cannot fulfill her duties," she said."

The previous Miss USA winner cautioned the current titleholder about the consequences of accepting the crown, stating, "You'll sign your soul to the devil."

I remember saying, 'This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,' and I knew I had to take it to see for myself what was happening with the Miss USA organization and whether the allegations were true.

"Gankiewicz stated that after being Miss USA for nearly three months, she can now say that everything she said was false. However, she added that the organization is amazing and Laylah Rose, the president, has been incredibly kind to her. She has thoroughly enjoyed her time as Miss USA."

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Voigt had limited interaction with Gankiewicz prior to her resignation, as per her statement to Planet Chronicle Digital.

"Gankiewicz remembered that at Miss USA, they only exchanged a few words with each other. She understood that it was a competition, but she noticed that the contestant seemed distant. After seeing her resign, Gankiewicz wanted to be compassionate and say, "Hey, I'm here for you. If you need someone to talk to, please let me know. The allegations you were accusing were serious.""

"She was basically saying, 'Don't. I can't tell you what to do, but don't do it because you'll sign your soul to the devil.'" — Miss USA Savannah Gankiewicz

While in Bali, Gankiewicz received a call from Voigt, who allegedly tried to persuade her against accepting the Miss USA title.

Gankiewicz stated, "She essentially conveyed, 'Abstain. I am unable to dictate your actions, but refrain because it will bind your soul to the devil.'"

"I'm here, asking, 'What's the deal? Did you sign your soul to the devil? Was it that bad?' And she responds, 'I can't say. I signed an NDA, giving away my rights for life. And I'm like, 'Really? So I was hearing that.'"

Gakiewicz stated that after she eventually accepted the title of Miss USA 2023, Voigt unfollowed and blocked her on social media. She also shared that she received a message from Srivastava, who allegedly wrote, "'Don't take it, but we can't tell you what to do.'"

"She unfollowed me too," Gankiewicz said. "I'm like, 'What did I do?' It's just a pageant, it's a job. I'm just doing my job."

Gankiewicz stated that she believed the warnings she received from Voigt were part of a pressure campaign supported by her predecessor's fans, aimed at dissuading any replacement for the Miss USA title.

"Gankiewicz stated that she felt like there was a whole team behind Noelia that didn't want anyone else to win the title. She also received messages from pageant bloggers who were clearly rooting for Noelia."

While I was being told not to take it, the second runner-up, Alexis Loomins, was being told by those same people that Savannah wouldn't take it and that she should take it instead.

"Despite the misconception that many people wanted to ban the Miss USA organization, it has been nothing but great for me. I want to continue the legacy and I can't believe how one person could make up such crazy lies about their experience."

Planet Chronicle Digital has reached out to Voigt and Srivastava for comment.

Gankiewicz revealed to Planet Chronicle Digital that she experienced hate, bullying, and death threats following her decision to remove the title from "those who only understood one perspective."

"The pageant fans are intense," she stated. "They have strong feelings, either adoring you or despising you with no in-between."

""People were questioning my character and dignity," she stated."

Gankiewicz highlighted that new representatives were being chosen to represent the 50 states and Washington, D.C., at the 2024 Miss USA pageant. The first state pageant was held in Tennessee in March, while the last took place in Florida in July.

"Gankiewicz stated, "I disregarded the harassment that the girls competing for Miss USA were hearing about the organization and me, knowing that there was more to the story.""

"I ended up taking the position and supporting the delegates, reminding them that the former titleholder's experience does not necessarily make it entirely accurate."

"Gankiewicz stated, "I completely support individuals dealing with mental illness and the former titleholder, and I stand with them. This job requires tough skin, and it's essential to remember that it's a job. Pageant fans often forget this, but I'm here to fulfill my duties.""

Gankiewicz stated that the pressures of competing in pageants and winning titles can negatively impact women's mental health.

She stated that achieving balance and prioritizing self-care are crucial for performing the job effectively.

Her successor resigned, and she faced hate, bullying, and death threats after being crowned Miss USA.

Gankiewicz discussed her experience as Miss USA with Planet Chronicle Digital, highlighting the most rewarding and challenging aspects of the role. She emphasized the importance of welcoming the class of 2024 and ensuring a positive experience for the new delegates.

"My main objective was to take on the title and support the new girls who were eager to become Miss USA. I believe it's unjust that if I didn't accept it, they wouldn't have a Miss USA to crown them. What makes me happy is knowing that I get to be there for the delegates and represent Hawaii once again, spreading the aloha spirit across the country. All I've been doing is smiling at people and showcasing what it means to be from Hawaii."

"Gankiewicz stated, "The hate I received was definitely my downfall. It's unbelievable how much hatred there was, and people didn't know the full story. This broke my heart because I just wanted to help. My platform was all about lending a hand, and instead, I received death threats and it was terrible.""

Gankiewicz discussed the largest misconception regarding the Miss USA organization.

"The former title holder's statement that there was bullying and harassment from the owner is completely false, as Miss USA is an organization that uplifts and empowers women and provides the necessary tools to achieve greatness in life. It is sad to see other people bash an organization that is trying to empower people and make women feel beautiful from within."

WATCH: MISS USA SAVANNAH GANKIEWICZ SHARES HER EXCITEMENT OVER THE UPCOMING PAGEANT

Gankiewicz expressed her anticipation for the upcoming Miss USA pageant and shared her eagerness to crown her successor, who will then represent the US at Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico while speaking with Planet Chronicle Digital.

"She said, "I'm thrilled to meet the next Miss USA 2024, but not only that, I'm looking forward to spending time with the delegates. Last year, going into Miss USA was about making friends, being present, and having fun. I'm just going to be there to remind the girls to enjoy themselves, even though it's a competition. They need to be present and savor every moment because it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.""

The CW will air the live broadcast of the Miss USA pageant from 8 to 10 p.m. ET.