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Inside the dark world of Miss America: From drug addiction to horrifying abuse

Mallory Ervin and Chelsea Kryst are former Miss USA pageant queens who faced hardships throughout the years

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The 73rd Miss USA pageant is just around the corner. Scheduled to take place at the prestigious Peacock Theater located in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California, the event is slated for August 4, 2024, with a live broadcast airing on Sunday from 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm Eastern Time. Beauty, talent, and grace will all be on display as contestants from across the country compete for the coveted title of Miss USA.

Throughout the history of beauty pageants, there have been numerous heart-breaking tales involving Miss America winners. These stories range from premature deaths to financial struggles, addiction, and other hardships. Let's delve into the tragic narratives of some of the Miss America titleholders who have faced adversity in the world of beauty pageants.

Miss USA 1967 Sylvia Hitchcock 

Sylvia Hitchcock, born on January 31, 1946, was a notable American model and beauty queen who achieved great success in the pageant world. She was recognized for holding the titles of Miss Alabama United States and Miss United States before being ultimately crowned Miss Universe in 1967.

Following her pageant career, she settled in Lake Wales, Florida where she lived until her passing on August 16, 2015, at the age of 69 after battling cancer. Sylvia Hitchcock's legacy as a beauty queen and model continues to be celebrated and remembered by many.

Miss USA 1975 runner-up Cullen Johnson Hill

Cullen Johnson Hill, the runner-up in the Miss America 1995 pageant, recently shared a candid and raw portrayal of the realities of addiction in hopes of motivating individuals to overcome their struggles with alcohol abuse. Through her personal story, she aims to shed light on the destructive nature of addiction and encourage others to seek help and make positive changes in their lives.

"I've just come from jail, serving my time that I owed from my second DUI, and this will be my journey. I'm so much better when I'm sober. You're like, ‘Yeah, no kidding, because you look like crap,'" she shared in a TikTok video.

Cullen made sure to draw attention to her black eye and new short haircut, as she wanted viewers to get a real glimpse into her life and understand the commitment she has made to stay clean following her recent 30-day stint in jail.

"I am an alcoholic, and I've been struggling with this since I was 24. But I just wanted to give a message to all of you to let you know that there's hope," she said. 

Miss USA 1992 Shannon Marketic 

Shannon LaRhea Marketic, an American model and beauty pageant winner, was crowned Miss California USA 1992 and Miss USA 1992. In 1997, Shannon took legal action against Jefri Bolkiah, Prince of Brunei, alleging that she and other women were hired for promotional work but were then allegedly held against their will, drugged, and subjected to sexual abuse.

The Sultan denied these allegations. Shannon's lawsuit also implicated Miss USA 1997 Brandi Sherwood as a victim, although Sherwood chose not to pursue legal action. After a lengthy legal battle, the case was ultimately dismissed by a judge citing the Sultan's sovereign immunity as head of state.

Miss USA 1995 Chelsi Smith 

Chelsi Mariam Pearl Smith, born on August 23, 1973, was a multi-talented American individual known for her roles as an actress, singer, TV host, and beauty pageant winner. She achieved great success when she was crowned Miss USA in 1995 and went on to win the title of Miss Universe in the same year.

Unfortunately, Chelsea's life took a tragic turn when she was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2017. Despite undergoing treatment, she passed away at the age of 45 at her mother's residence in Mifflin, Pennsylvania on September 8, 2018. Her untimely death left a void in the entertainment industry and amongst her loved ones.

Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner 

Tara Conner, born on December 18, 1985, is an American model, television personality, and beauty pageant winner, having been crowned Miss USA in 2006. She has also participated in the Miss Teen USA and Miss Universe pageants.

However, toward the end of 2006, Tara found herself embroiled in a scandal that garnered widespread media attention. She was discovered to have been underage drinking, using cocaine, and engaging in inappropriate behavior with Miss Teen USA Katie Blair at a nightclub in New York.

Despite the controversy, Tara was allowed to keep her title on the condition that she seek treatment for her substance abuse issues. Now, she works as an advocate for drug addiction. 

Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih 

Rima Fakih Slaiby, born on September 22, 1985, is a former professional wrestler and beauty pageant winner who was crowned Miss USA in 2010. Prior to winning the national title, she had already been named Miss Michigan USA in the same year, making her the first Arab American woman to win the Miss USA title and the third woman from Michigan to do so.

Despite her successes, Rima faced challenges in 2011 when she was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, leading to a misdemeanor drunk driving charge.

Miss USA 2010 4th runner-up Mallory Ervin 

Mallory Ervin, who was the 4th runner-up in the Miss USA 2010 pageant, faced challenges with drug addiction. Mallory thoroughly enjoyed her time as Miss Kentucky, but the demanding schedule and lack of support left her feeling overwhelmed.

To cope with the long days and isolated work environment, Mallory relied on two medications prescribed by her doctor: Adderall and Ambien. Adderall helped her stay focused and energized during her grueling 12- to 14-hour workdays, while Ambien was essential for helping her switch off and get a good night's sleep.

Despite the relief these medications provided, they also had detrimental effects on her well-being. Mallory became dependent on them, and the pills nearly took a toll on her health and happiness. She found solace in the temporary relief they offered, but ultimately realized the damaging impact they were having on her life.

Miss USA 2015 Olivia Jordan Thomas 

Olivia Jordan Thomas, born on September 28, 1988, is an American actress and former beauty pageant winner. In 2015, she was crowned Miss USA and went on to represent the United States at the Miss Universe pageant, where she placed as the second runner-up.

Despite her success, Olivia faced numerous challenges during her childhood. In response to controversial legislation concerning abortion rights, Olivia bravely shared her own experiences of sexual assault and rape, highlighting the importance of consent and autonomy over one's own body. 

During her teen years, Olivia was molested and raped and she mentioned that "decisions were made for [her] body without [her] consent."

Then, the beauty pageant queen drew parallels between her own traumatic experiences and the implications of restrictive abortion laws, advocating for the protection of women's rights and bodily autonomy.

Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst 

Cheslie Corrinne Kryst achieved success in various fields, including television, modeling, and beauty pageants. She was crowned Miss USA in 2019 and later worked as a correspondent for the TV show 'Extra', earning nominations for Daytime Emmy Awards.

Tragically, on January 30, 2022, Kryst took her own life by jumping from her apartment building in Manhattan. Her death was ruled as suicide by the coroner, and it was revealed that she had been struggling with "high-functioning depression." Her tragic passing left a deep impact on those who knew and admired her.

Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt

Noelia Voigt, an American model and beauty pageant winner, achieved the prestigious title of Miss USA in 2023, solidifying her place in history as the third woman from Utah to claim this honor. Her victory came 63 years after the state's last win in 1960, showcasing her talent, grace, and determination on the pageant stage.

Noelia was chosen to represent the United States at the prestigious Miss Universe 2023 pageant held in El Salvador on November 18, 2023, where she achieved a position in the top 20. Voigt is known for her dedication to advocating against bullying.

However, on May 6, 2024, Noila made the big decision to step down from her title due to the overwhelming pressure and negative effects on her mental well-being. Savannah Gankiewicz from Hawaii, who had been the first runner-up, was then crowned as the new Miss USA in her place.

73rd Miss USA pageant airs on August 4, 2024, at 8 pm ET on FuboTv and Hulu