In a surprising turn of events, Miss North Carolina USA has been stripped of her crown just weeks before she was set to participate in the Miss USA pageant. The organizers cited her ongoing behavior as inconsistent with the organization’s standards.
Thom Brodeur, Chairman of Miss USA, refrained from giving detailed specifics but mentioned that Brittany Boltinhouse’s conduct led to this decision. In a formal statement, he emphasized that the organization “does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia, nor any language that undermines an individual’s dignity,” marking that this behavior had been noted “over an extended period of time.”
This decision abruptly ends Boltinhouse’s brief reign, which began when she clinched the state title. Now, with less than three weeks to go before the 75th annual Miss USA pageant on August 27, she finds herself removed from representing North Carolina.
An image of Brittany Boltinhouse as Miss Wilmington, USA, during the North Carolina Azalea Festival in Wilmington was captured in April. (Instagram/espino.sosa)
Myla Hadley, who was the first runner-up in the state competition, will now step up to represent North Carolina. Brodeur expressed that she does so “with our full confidence and our support,” signaling a new chapter on the national stage.
Brodeur said the decision was made in consultation with Boltinhouse, her state directors and the Miss USA organization. He added that while the organization has a “zero tolerance” standard for conduct, accountability “is not permission to strip someone of their humanity.”
Brittany Boltinhouse pictured as Miss Wilmington, USA. (Instagram/espino.sosa)
“There is a young woman at the center of this,” Brodeur said. “She has been named, examined, and judged in public in a way that most of us would not survive, and she is still a human being with a family, a future, and a life ahead of her that is longer than this part of her journey.”
“I have never believed that accountability requires cruelty, or that holding a line means enjoying the fall of the person who crossed it,” he continued.
Brodeur said Boltinhouse plans to issue her own statement to speak to the matter “in her own voice.” The chairman said he has reviewed her statement and described it as showing “ownership, accountability and apology.”
Brittany Boltinhouse was crowned Miss North Carolina just weeks ago, and was set to represent the state at the 75th annual Miss USA pageant on Aug. 27. (Instagram/espino.sosa)
“I believe people can change,” Brodeur said. “Change is not a statement. It is a record. It is built over time, in the open, through conduct rather than apology alone.”
News Media has reached out to Boltinhouse for comment.
State pageant organizer A Blaize Productions similarly announced the decision after what they described as a “thorough review of recently surfaced information” but did not elaborate on the nature of the allegations.
“We ask our pageant family, supporters, and the public to extend kindness and respect to both Brittany and Myla during this transition,” the organization said in a statement. “Moments like these are never easy for anyone involved, and we remain committed to treating everyone with dignity while continuing our mission of empowering the next generation of women leaders.”
Hadley acknowledged the abrupt transition in a social media post, saying she understands “the seriousness and level of prestige that this title carries.”
“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,” Hadley wrote. “I am ready to represent North Carolina.”