Miss Hawaii Savannah Gankiewicz has faced an onslaught of online bullying in the week since she accepted the Miss USA crown following the shocking resignation of the original winner, Noelia Voigt.
Savannah Gankiewicz, 28, expressed her heartbreak over the backlash in an emotional speech on Friday while visiting the victims of the Lahaina wildfire.
“I don’t know if you’ve seen on social media, but since I’ve gotten this title, I’ve dealt with a lot of bullying and harassment,” the reigning pageant queen said, holding back tears. “I didn’t want to cry, but I just feel like it’s hard because I wish people saw where my heart is coming from.”
Gankiewicz accepted the Miss USA crown earlier this month after the original titleholder, Noelia Voigt, stepped down. The sudden change has led to a flood of hateful comments on Gankiewicz’s social media, with some accusing her of not deserving the title. More serious threats have called for her to be injured for accepting the role, and the bullying has even targeted her mother, with one person wishing harm on Gankiewicz.
Despite the cruelty, Gankiewicz has chosen to face the hate with grace and determination. She plans to fulfill her duties as Miss USA for the remaining five months with a focus on helping others, particularly the residents of Lahainda and Maui.