A year after Miss USA and Miss Teen USA both quit their titles, citing concerns for mental health — and sources told The Post about an allegedly toxic atmosphere and “bullying” by CEO Laylah Rose — insiders say Rose has been replaced.
The Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageant announced Tuesday that longtime coach and judge Thom Brodeur, 55, is the new CEO, chairman and president of the brands.
He replaces embattled CEO Rose, 45, who had owned the license to both brands since 2023.
“We are bringing a transformational vision rooted in technology, media and fan engagement to modernize and revitalize these titles for the next generation of powerhouse women and their worldwide fan base,” Brodeur said in a statement released by the Miss Universe Organization, which is over both Miss USA and Miss Teen USA.
“It’s a bad situation,” a source close to the situation told The Post. “They eventually needed to make a change just because the state directors were dropping out right and left. There was so much backlash they [the parent organization] had to step in.”
Last year, state directors told The Post Rose had allegedly left them in the dark about production schedules and venues ahead of the 73rd annual beauty pageants.
The source added that reigning Miss USA Alma Cooper, the first active-duty Army officer to be crowned, has not been paid. Winners typically earn a six-figure salary and are given a car, an apartment, living expenses and wardrobes.
“She hasn’t been paid a cent. She had the same issues [with Rose] as past title holders,” the source claimed of Cooper.
Cooper, meanwhile, appears to have addressed her pay status to a fan on Facebook who asked if an active duty military member could get paid for being Miss USA.
“The Army approved me being paid by Miss USA…I just never was,” Cooper commented in response.
Another source familiar with Cooper confirmed she has not been paid.
The Post has reached out to Rose, Brodeur and Cooper for comment.
In May 2024, then-Miss USA Noelia Voigt sent shock waves through the pageant universe when she issued a jarring announcement that she was resigning from the crown seven months into her reign, citing mental health.
She also claimed she was sexually harassed at a Christmas parade she attended for the organization.
Voigt was the first title holder in the history of the pageant, which began in 1952, to voluntarily step down.
Days later, then-Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava also turned in her sash — saying in a statement that her personal values “no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.”
Sources at the time told The Post that the alleged harassment and bullying became so bad, Srivastava’s parents refused to let Rose communicate with their daughter.
Rose denied allegations of a toxic work place, bullying and sexual harassment last May, telling the Los Angeles Times in a statement: “We are very disappointed to hear the recent false allegations made by individuals speaking on behalf of our former title holder.”
“The allegations of sexual harassment, toxic enviornment and buylling are not true,” Rose continued.
“To be clear, such behavior is not accepted, and we can assure you that if such behavior ever occured, we would take immediate steps to protect our titleholder and provide access to appropriate resources.”
On Monday, the source told The Post how the Miss USA organization “desperately needed a change.”
Brodeur, who runs the talent coaching consultancy Brodeur Beauty, first leaked details about his new ownership on September 4, on his personal Instagram page.
“I’m thrilled to share that I have officially acquired Miss USA and Miss Teen USA. With a 10-year exclusive license, a powerhouse team and a clear vision, I’m ready to modernize, revitalize and reignite two of the most iconic brands in American pageantry,” Brodeur wrote, citing “kindness” and “transparency,” among his core values.
At the time, Rose claimed on social media she was still in charge, posting on Sept. 5 on the pageants’ official Instagram pages: “We do not engage with every rumor or piece of hearsay. Instead, we focus on verified information and constructive dialogue to ensure clarity and trust.”
“Overall, people are just relieved and happy that there’s a change — they saw the rapid deterioration. People are putting their hopes that he and the team will be able to turn it [the pageants around,” a second insider told The Post.
“We’ll wait to see what happens. It’s a tough job and it’s certainly not going to be easy for him. He’s going to have to dig it out of a hole,” the insider added.
The transaction, according to the Miss Universe statement, “was made possible through a Brodeur-led investment group.”