As a kid, Sophia Wootten was told people might never understand her. She was born with a cleft lip and palate and spoke with a speech impediment. But Saturday evening, Wootten she was crowned 2026 Miss Georgia.
Miss USA Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava stepped down, citing mental health and personal values. They are the latest to depart the organization, which is no stranger to controversy.
Anita Green sued Miss United States of America claiming the pageant's eligibility rules, which require contestants to be "natural born females," violate Oregon's anti-discrimination law.
