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The mothers of former Miss USA and Miss Teen USA have spoken out about why their daughters gave up their titles.
One mother told an American morning news show that her “dream job turned out to be a nightmare.”
Both pageant queens quit just one day apart last week.
Miss USA and Miss Teen USA said last week that they support the two champions’ decision to step down and would announce a successor.
Miss Universe, which organizes the sister pageants, has not addressed allegations of abuse and bullying. The BBC has contacted the organization for comment.
The two mothers told ABC’s Good Morning America on Tuesday that they were speaking on behalf of their daughters as they are subject to non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).
Barbara Srivastava, mother of Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava, was interviewed along with Jackeline Voigt, mother of former Miss USA Noelia Voigt.
Srivastava told the program that their families “could not continue with this farce.”
They alleged that their daughters had been “mistreated, abused, intimidated and cornered” and apologized to the Miss Universe Organization.
Noelia Voigt was the first of the two to resign on May 6, citing mental health problems.
“Never compromise your physical and mental well-being,” the 24-year-old wrote in a post on Instagram. “Our health is our wealth.”
Some fans speculated about the meaning behind her note, which they said appeared to spell “I am silenced” in the first 11 sentences.
Her mother declined to answer whether the cryptic message was intentional, but said she felt the organization had silenced her daughter.
“And he would be for the rest of his life if this confidentiality agreement is not lifted,” he added.
Noelia Voigt’s resignation came three days after Miss USA social media director Claudia Michelle announced her own resignation from the brand, citing alleged “workplace toxicity and bullying” and saying that the champions “They must be heard and not silenced.”
Just one day after Noelia Voigt’s exit, UmaSofia Srivastava relinquished her Miss Teen USA title. The 17-year-old also made the announcement on Instagram, writing that her “personal values are no longer fully aligned” with the pageant organization.
UmaSofia Srivastava’s mother said in the interview that her daughter was mistreated by the Miss Universe Organization and that her personal social networks were monitored.
He said that his daughter’s resignation was motivated by the departure of Noelia Voigt.
Both mothers called for an end to participation in all Miss USA-affiliated pageants, saying they do not want others to experience the same mistreatment their daughters allegedly faced.
Miss Teen USA finalist Stephanie Skinner, 19, told New York Post on Monday that she doesn’t want the crown either.
“In the end I made the decision to reject it,” she said, adding that she was “in solidarity and defending female empowerment.”
“My integrity and character will always come before crowns.”