Miss USA winner Alma Cooper, who was crowned in 2024, has announced that she will not attend this year’s contest.
Taking to Instagram On Friday, October 24, the 23-year-old beauty queen told her followers that she made the “extremely difficult decision” to skip this year’s event. The post was shared just hours before the pageant, where he was expected to crown his successor.
“In every aspect of my life, I am always in pursuit of excellence. This relentless pursuit drove me to graduate from West Point in the top 50 of my class, run three marathons in 10 months, and become a Knight Hennessy Fellow at Stanford University,” he wrote in the lengthy caption detailing his decision. “I carried that same attitude with me when I won the Miss USA title, encouraged by the opportunity to inspire young people around the world at Miss Universe and within communities across the country. I strongly believe that excellence means nothing if it stops with me, instead, I want my growth to be something that others can build on.”
She continued, “After much consideration, I have made the extremely difficult decision not to attend this year’s Miss USA pageant and crowning ceremony. As I close this chapter, I do so with the knowledge that I finished what I started with integrity and that my self-esteem remained high, as did the crown I was honored to wear.”
In response to Cooper’s post, his followers shared messages of support in the comments section.
“CONGRATULATIONS on a phenomenal reign Alma. Against all odds, you showed up, wearing the crown and title with grace and true class. Keep doing amazing things. 🫶🏽🤍,” one follower wrote.
Alma Cooper
(Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)Another added: “She supports your decision and is proud of you queen! As a Miss USA fan since the 80’s, not seeing the queen come back is sad but you have to go with your heart! The fans love you! ❤️.”
Despite confirming he was pulling out of the event, Cooper did not explain the reason for the decision in the cryptic post.
Shortly after being crowned Miss USA in August 2024, Cooper talked to Us Weekly about how he hoped to be a driving force for good after his victory.
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“I’m so grateful to be passionate about food insecurity,” she said exclusively we at the time at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. “I think it’s something that I really want to have a broader impact with this platform.”
Food insecurity is a cause close to Cooper’s heart because his mother grew up worrying about having enough food to eat at home.
“I want to elevate the voices of those who are often not heard and be a change agent, be a force for good within this industry,” Cooper said. we. “I do research at Stanford in the field of nutrition and health, and for me, the biggest impact I can have is to uplift other people and give them the opportunity to break down their own barriers and give a launch pad to any dream they have. I can’t explain how grateful I am for the people who have encouraged me and allowed me to pursue my own dreams, even when I couldn’t.”