“I will come to your home and set it on fire. I don’t even care if you or your mom are inside. I actually hope you are. You both deserve to die. I am going to kill you.” This message, attributed to the current Miss Pennsylvania titleholder and reported in local media and referenced in federal court proceedings, raises serious concerns about judgement, conduct, and fitness to serve in a public-facing role.

We, the undersigned, are calling for Victoria Vespico, the current Miss Pennsylvania titleholder, to step down based on publicly reported, documented behavior that is inconsistent with the standards expected of a representative in this role.

Miss Pennsylvania titleholders are not only participants in a pageant—they are public representatives of their communities. They are invited into schools, participate in local parades, engage with families, and partner with local businesses. In doing so, they are presented as role models, particularly to young children, and are expected to demonstrate sound judgment, respect for others, and a commitment to positive community engagement.

Recent reporting has brought forward text messages attributed to the titleholder that include explicit threats. These messages raise serious concerns about judgment, conduct, and the appropriateness of continuing to serve in a highly visible, community-facing role.

This matter has also been addressed in federal court, where a defamation lawsuit related to these events was dismissed, as reported by local media. The court’s decision indicates that the statements at issue had a sufficient basis in truth and were not defamatory. While this is not a criminal finding, it underscores that the underlying concerns are not without merit.

At the same time, the Miss Pennsylvania continues to actively engage with the public, including recent visits to pre-kindergarten classrooms, as reported by local media. This level of access to young students further heightens the responsibility to model appropriate conduct and sound judgment.

The issue at hand is not about punishment—it is about standards. When an individual holds a public title that carries influence and access to schools, children, and community platforms, there is a heightened responsibility to reflect the values of integrity, safety, and respect.

As a member of the Northeast Pennsylvania community and a citizen of Pennsylvania, I believe it is important to raise awareness and encourage accountability when concerns like this arise. Public roles carry public trust, and community voices play an important role in upholding that trust—especially when individuals are representing and engaging directly with communities like ours.

Given the visibility of this position and the nature of the concerns raised, we believe it is in the best interest of the community, the organization, and the integrity of the title for the current Miss Pennsylvania titleholder to step down. This is not a call for forced removal, but for personal accountability and recognition that this role carries a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of conduct.

Public titles require public trust—and that trust must be upheld.

Sources:

Official Miss Pennsylvania crowning post: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ky6mqcUA4/?mibextid=wwXIfr
NEPA profile article: https://discovernepa.com/community/victoria-vespico-miss-pennsylvania-2025-why-nepa/
Original news coverage of reported messages: https://local21news.com/news/local/miss-america-organization-robyn-kass-gerji-miss-pennsylvania-scholarship-foundation-death-threats-contract-bullying-restraining-order-residency-washington-dc-june-20-2024
Local news coverage of lawsuit dismissal: https://www.citizensvoice.com/2026/03/24/judge-tosses-miss-pennsylvania-defamation-suit/
Local coverage of school visit: https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/2026/03/23/pre-k-kids-meet-miss-pennsylvania/
Lackawanna County Court Notes (March 24, 2026): https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/2026/03/24/lackawanna-county-court-notes-march-24-2026/

Additional reporting (Daily Mail): https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13572679/victoria-vespico-miss-pennsylvania-stalked-rival-girl-scouts-harvard.html