Miss Colorado USA has given up her crown amid calls for reform within the national pageant organization.

Arianna Lemus, who was crowned last year after finishing as first runner-up in the 2022 competition, said she was stepping down to show her support for Noelia Voigt and UmaSofia Srivastava — former Miss USA and Miss Teen USA, respectively — after they resigned earlier this month amid rumors of mistreatment.

Voigt gave up her crown last Monday, according to multiple reports. Srivastava stepped down two days later.

“I stand in solidarity with Noelia and UmaSofia … as I step down from my role as Miss Colorado USA,” Lemus said in a statement last week.

“(Their) voices have been stifled by the constraints of a contract that undermines their rights and dignity. These remarkable women serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for reform within the Miss USA organization.”

Lemus told The Gazette that she resigned, in part, to be a voice for Voigt and Srivastava, who are under nondisclosure agreements.

“It was a difficult decision to resign,” said Lemus, who hails from Gunnison. “I want to see transparency from the Miss USA organization and I am calling for current management to release the ladies from their NDA. If there’s nothing to hide, then that shouldn’t be a problem.”

Denise Wallace, executive co-director of Miss Colorado USA, said she was disappointed that Lemus resigned, but respected her decision.

“We know Arianna’s experience with Future Productions, the state pageant licensee, was positive and vastly different than the controversy surrounding the management of the national titleholders,” Wallace said in a statement. “However, we respect that this is what she felt was the right decision for her and we wish her the best.”

Lemus agreed that her experience with Colorado’s pageant organization has been positive.

“I am grateful to my state directors Future Productions, sponsors, family, friends and everyone who supported me in the pageant journey,” she said. “I hope to continue to support women and be an inspiration to many to always stand up for what’s right in your heart.”

Savannah Gankiewicz, the Miss USA runner-up, was crowned upon Voigt’s resignation. Stephanie Skinner, the Miss Teen USA runner-up, declined to accept the title after Srivastava stepped down.

At press time, no plans had been announced to replace Lemus as Miss Colorado USA 2023.

“We look forward to crowning Miss Colorado USA 2024 in Greeley next month,” Wallace said.