Alma Cooper, who was crowned Miss USA in 2024, has revealed she will not be attending this year’s pageant.

In an Instagram post on Friday, October 24, the 23-year-old beauty queen shared with her followers that she had made the “extremely difficult decision” to skip the event. Her announcement came just hours before the pageant, where she was expected to pass on her crown to her successor.

“In every endeavor, I strive for excellence. This drive pushed me to graduate among the top 50 at West Point, compete in three marathons over 10 months, and become a Knight Hennessy Fellow at Stanford University,” Cooper explained in her heartfelt post. “When I became Miss USA, I was inspired by the chance to influence young people globally at Miss Universe and within communities nationwide. I believe true excellence is shared, allowing others to build upon it.”

She further expressed, “After careful consideration, I’ve decided not to attend this year’s Miss USA pageant and crowning ceremony. I conclude this chapter knowing I maintained my integrity and self-worth, just as I proudly wore the crown.”

As the pageant approaches, the stage is set to welcome a new Miss Teen USA and Miss USA for 2025. Us Weekly has exclusive details about the hosts for this year’s pageants and the judges who will select the winners at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino in Reno, Nevada. Television personality Emmanuel Acho and former Miss USA 2015 Olivia Jordan will take on the hosting duties.

In response to Cooper’s post, her followers shared messages of support in the comments section.

“CONGRATS on a phenomenal reign Alma. Despite all the odds, you showed up, carrying the crown and title with grace and true class. Keep doing amazing things. 🫶🏽🤍,” one follower wrote.

Another added, “Fully support your decision and proud of you queen! As a fan of Miss USA since the 80s, not seeing the outgoing queen come back is sad but you have to go with what your heart is telling you! You are loved by the fans! ❤️.”

Despite confirming she was stepping away from the event, Cooper did not explain the reason behind the decision in the cryptic post.

Shortly after being crowned Miss USA in August 2024, Cooper spoke to Us Weekly about how she hoped she could be a driving force for good after her win.

The countdown is officially on to crown a brand-new Miss Teen USA and Miss USA 2024. Us Weekly can exclusively reveal the hosts for this year’s beauty pageants and the judges who will help crown the winners. On Sunday, August 4, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Garcelle Beauvais will join E! News‘ Keltie Knight […]

“I’m super grateful to be passionate about food insecurity,” she exclusively told Us at the time at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. “I think that’s something that I really want to have a broader impact on with this platform.”

Food insecurity is a cause close to Cooper’s heart due to her mother growing up with concerns about having enough food to eat at home.

“I want to uplift the voices of those who often go unheard and be a changemaker, be a force for good within this sector,” Cooper told Us. “I do research at Stanford in the field of nutrition and health, and to me, the biggest impact I can have is to uplift other people and give people the opportunity to break down their own barriers and give a launch pad to whatever dreams they think of. I cannot explain the gratitude I have for the people who have uplifted me and allowed me to chase my own dreams, even when I didn’t even think I could do it.”