Miss North Carolina USA Loses Crown Amid Racism Allegations

WHO:

USA Today - Brittany Boltinhouse held the title of Miss Wilmington USA before winning the Miss North Carolina USA title.

USA Today - Myla Hadley was crowned Miss Charlotte before competing in the Miss North Carolina USA pageant.

TMZ - Brittany Boltinhouse, Miss North Carolina USA 2026

USA Today - Thom Brodeur, CEO of Miss USA

USA Today - Myla Hadley, first runner-up and new Miss North Carolina USA

WRAL - A Blaize Productions, the organization holding the state license for the Miss North Carolina USA pageant

WHAT:

USA Today - Boltinhouse was stripped of her title just over a month after her victory, following the resurfacing of alleged old social media posts with racism.

WRAL - Myla Hadley will now assume the title of Miss North Carolina USA and compete at the Miss USA pageant later this month, specifically on August 27.

USA Today - A Blaize Productions stated that the decision to strip Boltinhouse of her title "was not made lightly."

USA Today - Brodeur confirmed that he acquired the rights to Miss USA in September 2025, following allegations of mistreatment under previous leadership.

USA Today - Brodeur emphasized that the Miss USA organization does not tolerate "language that strips any person of their dignity."

WRAL - Myla Hadley expressed gratitude for the support she received and stated, "I am ready to represent North Carolina."

USA Today - Boltinhouse is described as the first married woman and the first woman of Honduran descent to be crowned Miss North Carolina USA.

USA Today - Boltinhouse is 27 years old and owns two flooring and turf companies.

USA Today - The decision to strip Boltinhouse of her title was announced on August 5.

USA Today - Thom Brodeur stated, "What was brought to us was not a single moment. It reflected conduct over an extended period of time."

USA Today - Brodeur mentioned that Boltinhouse "will soon issue her own statement," indicating she has prepared a response to the situation.

TMZ - Brittany Boltinhouse has been stripped of her crown due to resurfaced allegations of racism.

USA Today - Boltinhouse agreed to step down after a thorough review of recently surfaced information.

WRAL - Myla Hadley will assume the title of Miss North Carolina USA and compete at the Miss USA pageant.

USA Today - Boltinhouse was crowned Miss North Carolina USA on June 28.

WHERE:

USA Today - The Miss USA pageant is set to take place in the United States.

WRAL - Brittany Boltinhouse is from Duplin County, North Carolina.

WHEN:

USA Today - The Miss USA pageant is scheduled for August 27.

USA Today - Boltinhouse was crowned Miss North Carolina USA on June 28.

WHY:

USA Today - The decision to strip Boltinhouse of her title followed a review of conduct over an extended period of time.

WRAL - The pageant organizers stated they do not tolerate racism, homophobia, or transphobia.

HOW:

USA Today - Brodeur stated, "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."

WRAL - Brodeur mentioned that holding someone accountable does not strip them of their humanity, stating, "There is a young woman at the center of this."

USA Today - Brodeur stated, "I have seen Brittany's statement. There is ownership, accountability and apology. I respect that."

WRAL - Brodeur emphasized that "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."

USA Today - The decision was made after a thorough review of recently surfaced information regarding Boltinhouse's past conduct.

WRAL - A Blaize Productions emphasized the importance of treating everyone with dignity during the transition.

(UPDATED August 7, 2026 17:45 UTC)

In a significant turn of events, Boltinhouse has been stripped of her title just over a month after her victory due to the resurfacing of alleged old social media posts containing racism. Myla Hadley will now take over as Miss North Carolina USA and is set to compete at the Miss USA pageant later this month on August 27. Brodeur emphasized that the decision was based on a pattern of conduct, stating, "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."

(UPDATED August 7, 2026 15:48 UTC)

Blaize Productions announced that the decision to strip Boltinhouse of her title was not made lightly, with Brodeur confirming he acquired the rights to Miss USA in September 2025 amid allegations of mistreatment under previous leadership. Brodeur emphasized the organization's commitment to dignity, stating that they do not tolerate language that strips any person of their humanity, while also acknowledging the young woman at the center of this situation. In the midst of these changes, Myla Hadley expressed her gratitude for the support she received and declared, "I am ready to represent North Carolina."

(UPDATED August 7, 2026 10:46 UTC)

Brittany Boltinhouse, who previously held the title of Miss Wilmington USA, has made history by becoming the first married woman and the first woman of Honduran descent to be crowned Miss North Carolina USA. At 27 years old, Boltinhouse is also a successful entrepreneur, owning two flooring and turf companies. In response to her achievement, Brodeur expressed respect for Brittany's ownership, accountability, and apology, stating, "I have seen Brittany's statement."

(UPDATED August 7, 2026 00:47 UTC)

The decision to strip Boltinhouse of her title was announced recently, with Thom Brodeur explaining that the issue involved conduct over an extended period rather than a single moment. Brodeur emphasized that a title is not just a trinket, but a position of trust that carries significant responsibility. He also noted that Boltinhouse will soon issue her own statement, indicating she is preparing a response to the situation.

(UPDATED August 6, 2026 18:33 UTC)

Brittany Boltinhouse has been stripped of her title as Miss North Carolina USA due to resurfaced allegations of racism, and she has agreed to step down following a thorough review of her past conduct. Myla Hadley, the first runner-up, will now assume the title and compete at the Miss USA pageant, which is scheduled for August 27. The pageant organizers have stated that they do not tolerate racism, homophobia, or transphobia, emphasizing the importance of treating everyone with dignity during this transition.