The pageant world has been rocked by the recent decision to strip Brittany Boltinhouse of her Miss North Carolina USA title. The Miss USA Organisation announced the controversial move on Wednesday, August 5, citing allegations of racism, homophobia, and transphobia.
Boltinhouse, who was crowned just last June, was set to represent her state at the 75th annual Miss USA pageant in Miami later this month. The decision to remove her title comes after a thorough review of recently surfaced information, according to the organisation.
The Decision and Its Implications
In a statement shared on InstagramThom Brodeur president and CEO of the Miss USA Organisation explained that the decision was made jointly with Boltinhouse and her state directors. Brodeur emphasized that the organisation does not tolerate any form of discrimination or language that strips any person of their dignity.
“Miss USA does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia, nor language that strips any person of their dignity — whoever they are,” Brodeur stated. He further clarified that the decision was based on conduct over an extended period of time rather than a single incident.
Brodeur also highlighted the significance of the title, stating that it is not merely a trinket but a position of trust. “A title here isn’t a trinket. It is a position of trust, extended by an organization and accepted by a woman who agrees to carry a standard in public. When that standard is broken, the title cannot continue as though nothing happened.”
Following Boltinhouse’s dethronement, the first runner-up, Myla Hadley has been promoted to Miss North Carolina USA 2026. Hadley will now represent the state at the upcoming Miss USA pageant in Miami. The winner of that pageant will go on to represent the US at the Miss Universe pageant in November.
Hadley expressed her readiness for the challenge, acknowledging the prestige and seriousness of the title. “I understand the seriousness and level of prestige that this title carries, and I can confidently say that both my team and I are ready to take this on,” she said in a statement on Instagram.
The Miss USA Organisation has not disclosed the specific details of the information that led to Boltinhouse’s removal. However, Brodeur mentioned that Boltinhouse had prepared a statement containing ownership, accountability, and an apology. He emphasized the importance of change and the need for conduct to reflect that change over time.
This decision underscores the organisation’s commitment to upholding its values and maintaining the integrity of the titles it bestows. It also serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with representing such prestigious pageants.
