Breaking News:Miss Hawaii USA receives slew of online hate, death threats since being crowned Miss USA

“It breaks my heart, sorry. 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 said.
By HNN Staff

Published: May. 19, 2024 at 1:25 AM GMT+1|Updated: 13 hours ago
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Maui’s Savannah Gankiewicz holds back tears as she talks about the hateful messages and even death threats she’s received since being crowned Miss USA.

“It breaks my heart, sorry. 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,” Savannah Gankiewicz said.

“It’s helping and helping Maui residents and having a platform but also showing young women love. You can get bullied, and you can get hurt, but you stand back up, and you keep going, and you keep using your voice.”

I accept the crown’: Miss Hawaii USA named Miss USA after titleholder resigns

The 28-year-old spoke with a crowd of wildfire survivors on Front Street in Lahaina Friday as she tried to raise awareness for recovery efforts.

Gankiewicz faced a backlash this week after replacing former Miss USA Noelia Voigt, who gave up the title citing mental health issues.

Voigt’s resignation was followed by several others, citing a toxic work environment.

Gankiewicz says she hopes speaking out inspires young girls to make their voices heard.