CHARLOTTE — Miss North Carolina USA 2026 Brittany Boltinhouse has been stripped of her title less than two months after being crowned, after the state pageant organization and Miss USA leadership said a review of recently surfaced information found conduct that violated the organization’s standards.
A-Blaize Productions, which operates the Miss North Carolina USA program, removed Boltinhouse from the title following consultations with the Miss USA Organization, according to statements from pageant officials. Miss USA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thom Brodeur said the decision followed a “thorough review” of information that had come to light and was consistent with the organization’s policies.
The organizations did not initially provide detailed descriptions of the conduct that led to the decision. Officials said the Miss USA system does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia or language that demeans individuals.
Media reports said the controversy involved social media posts allegedly made by Boltinhouse between 2017 and 2019 under an earlier online identity. Those reports said the posts included offensive language, including repeated use of a racial slur. The allegations have not been independently verified by Reuters.
Following Boltinhouse’s removal, first runner-up Myla Hadley assumed the Miss North Carolina USA title and is expected to represent the state at the upcoming Miss USA competition in Miami, according to pageant officials.
Hadley said she was prepared to take on the responsibilities of the role after the unexpected change, while other contestants and members of the pageant community responded to the organization’s decision.
Boltinhouse has not publicly issued a detailed response to the allegations. Reports have indicated that her family has sought to provide additional context and said they wanted her perspective to be considered.
The Miss North Carolina USA title change comes shortly before the national Miss USA competition, where state representatives compete for the national crown. The Miss USA Organization has said it will continue to enforce its conduct standards as part of its selection and titleholder requirements.
