Alma Cooper, Miss Michigan, was crowned Miss USA on Sunday, August 4, 2024, during the pageant’s 73rd annual ceremony. The event, broadcast on the CW network, comes amid ongoing controversy and organizational shake-ups within the Miss USA organization. Cooper, a 22-year-old U.S. Army officer, data scientist, and master’s student at Stanford University, triumphed over Miss Kentucky Connor Perry and Miss Oklahoma Danika Christopherson, who were named first and second runners-up, respectively.
During the pageant’s Q&A segment, Cooper shared her inspiring journey as the daughter of a migrant worker, a proud Afro-Latina, and a dedicated military officer. “I am living the American dream,” she said, reflecting on her path from a young girl dreaming of the Miss USA stage to her current accomplishments. Cooper also highlighted her work as a data scientist and her research on food insecurity at Stanford, emphasizing the role of community support in her success.
Cooper’s win follows a tumultuous period for the Miss USA organization. The year saw significant upheaval, including the resignation of former Miss USA Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava. Both titleholders stepped down citing personal reasons and disagreements with the direction of the organization. Voigt, who was crowned in September 2023, resigned in May 2024, stating her decision was based on prioritizing her mental health. Srivastava followed suit, citing a misalignment of personal values with the organization’s direction.
The situation was further complicated by allegations from Voigt’s and Srivastava’s mothers, who claimed the Miss USA organization had mistreated their daughters. They described the pageant experience as a “nightmare,” alleging abuse and bullying. In response, 2023 Miss USA runner-up Savannah Gankiewicz, who briefly held the Miss USA title following Voigt’s resignation, defended the organization. Gankiewicz dismissed the allegations, asserting that her experience was positive and refuting claims of a toxic environment.
The controversy extended to the replacement of Miss Teen USA 2023 Srivastava. Miss NY Teen USA Stephanie Skinner declined the offer to step into Srivastava’s role. Gankiewicz expressed a desire to understand the situation firsthand, later stating in interviews that the claims of mistreatment were untrue. Her comments, however, sparked further backlash, with representatives for Voigt and Srivastava accusing Gankiewicz of trying to discredit their experiences.
Voigt responded on social media, emphasizing the importance of respecting the experiences of those who have left the organization. She criticized efforts to undermine the voices of former titleholders, stressing that the week should focus on the contestants and their achievements rather than organizational drama.
Amidst this backdrop, Cooper’s crowning moment represents a new chapter for the Miss USA pageant. As she embarks on her reign, the pageant continues to navigate the aftermath of its recent controversies, with Cooper’s victory offering a hopeful and positive turn for the organization’s future.
In other news – Ugandan national arrested in Masvingo for possession of s3x toys
In a recent development in Masvingo, a 24-year-old Ugandan national named Tom Ssekamwa has been arrested following the discovery of several lula lula toys and assorted items in his possession. The arrest took place on August 1, 2024, after the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) acted on an anonymous tip-off.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Ssekamwa appeared before the Masvingo Magistrates Court facing charges related to the Censorship and Entertainment Control Act. Read More
