Miss North Carolina USA stripped of title as pageant bosses condemn ‘racism, homophobia and transphobia’
Miss North Carolina USA stripped of title as pageant bosses condemn ‘racism, homophobia and transphobia’
Carsen Holaday Thu, August 6, 2026 at 1:01 PM UTC
480
Brittany Boltinhouse has lost her Miss North Carolina USA title after being crowned June 28 (Instagram)
Brittany Boltinhouse has been dethroned just weeks after being crowned Miss North Carolina USA.
Miss USA Organization chairman and CEO Thom Brodeur announced Wednesday that Boltinhouse, 27, was stripped of her title after what he described as conduct that violated the organization’s standards discovered in a “thorough review of recently surfaced information.”
Although Brodeur did not specify the conduct, he said the pageant “does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia nor language that strips any person of their dignity — whoever they are.”
“This is not a policy written for a press release, it is the floor of what it means to represent this brand,” the statement said. “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.”
He continued: “When that standard is broken, the title cannot continue as though nothing happened. What was brought to us was not a single moment. It reflected conduct over an extended period of time.”
“That is why this outcome was reached and I stand behind it without qualification,” he said, adding that “we acted as soon as this reached us.”
Boltinhouse has yet to speak out about the decision, but Brodeur emphasized that her statement will be made soon.
Advertisement
He said that although she apologized, her confession “does not undo the harm, and it does not change the outcome.” He went on to wish her well, saying, “these are moments where reflection leads to possibility and growth.”
“I believe the best you have to offer this world is ahead of you, and that is a promise worth making to and keeping for yourself,” he said.
The Independent has contacted Boltinhouse for additional comment.
Myla Hadley, who finished as the contest’s first runner-up at the June 28 final, has now assumed the title of Miss North Carolina USA.
In a statement shared Wednesday, Hadley said she felt “grateful and humbled” by the congratulatory messages she has received since the announcement.
“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,” Hadley wrote on her Instagram Story.
She added: “While this may seem like a two-week turnaround given the circumstances, I’ve been preparing to represent at Miss USA since I first competed with this organization. I am ready to represent North Carolina. Thank you all again for your motivation, support, and well wishes.”
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
