Miss USA Crowns Nebraska’s Audrey Eckert, Vowing a New Era Amid Controversy

Audrey Eckert of Nebraska was crowned Miss USA on Friday, marking a new chapter for the scandal-plagued pageant as it returned under new ownership. The 22-year-old digital safety advocate triumphed over 50 other contestants at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada. Ivy Harrington of New Jersey and Chantéa McIntyre of Oregon were named first and second runners-up, respectively.

In a departure from tradition, Eckert was crowned by reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig, as last year’s winner was not in attendance. The event concluded a tumultuous 18-month period for the competition, which saw an acrimonious change in leadership following the resignation of Miss USA 2023, Noelia Voigt, amid allegations of mistreatment.

The controversy began last May when Voigt and then-reigning Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia Srivastava, resigned within days of each other. Voigt’s resignation letter, later made public, alleged a “toxic work environment,” bullying, and harassment. She also claimed the organization failed to protect her from sexual harassment during a public event.

The fallout led to a contentious legal and corporate battle. Last month, businessman Thom Brodeur announced he had acquired the licenses for Miss USA and Miss Teen USA. The parent Miss Universe Organization confirmed the deal, but then-president Laylah Rose publicly disputed it. This prompted a lawsuit from the Miss Universe Organization against Rose’s company, alleging breach of contract and mistreatment of contestants. Rose’s company has filed a countersuit denying the allegations and seeking over $116 million in damages.

Now installed as president and CEO, Brodeur has heralded a “new era” and pledged to remove restrictive non-disclosure agreements that he said had suppressed the voices of former titleholders. In a sign of the changing dynamic, Voigt made a surprise return to the pageant, co-hosting its official online broadcast.

This year’s competition also reflected significant rule changes aimed at greater inclusivity. The organization eliminated its age cap of 28 and its restrictions against married women and mothers. As a result, 44-year-old Miss Delaware, Tetra Shockley, became the oldest competitor in the pageant’s history. Additionally, Miss New Hampshire, MonaLesa Brackett, made history as the first contestant to compete in a hijab.

For the first time since 1963, the finale was not televised, instead streaming on a dedicated beauty and pageantry platform. During the on-stage Q&A, finalists addressed topics ranging from media representation to the future of artificial intelligence.

On Thursday, Mailyn Marsh of Missouri was crowned this year’s Miss Teen USA. As the new Miss USA, Eckert will represent the United States at the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand next month.



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