Miss Teen USA 2024 Held Amid Controversy

Addie Carver, a 17-year-old from Mississippi, has been crowned Miss Teen USA 2024, following a tumultuous year for the pageant organization. Carver succeeds after the unexpected resignations of Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava and Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt, both of whom cited significant issues within the organization, including mental health concerns and a toxic work environment. Srivastava and Voigt's departures left the titles vacant for months, with first runner-ups declining to step in. Carver, who hopes to use her platform to highlight mental health, expressed her gratitude and excitement in a social media post. The 2024 pageant, held in Los Angeles, featured traditional rounds and was broadcast live on the CW Network. Despite an independent investigation clearing the pageant of rigging allegations, the organization faced scrutiny for outdated practices and perceptions in beauty pageants.