Miss North Carolina USA, Brittany Boltinhouse, stripped of title weeks ahead of Miss USA pageant

Digital Curator

Weeks ahead of the 75th annual Miss USA pageant, Miss North Carolina USA 2026, Brittany Boltinhouse, has been stripped of her crown, and the runner-up will now assume the title.

In a post on social media announcing that Boltinhouse’s “reign as Miss North Carolina USA 2026 came to an end,” Miss USA CEO Thom Brodeur didn’t specify what alleged conduct resulted in the decision to strip her of her title. However, Brodeur said the organization “does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia, nor language that strips any person of their dignity — whoever they are.”

Brodeur said the decision to strip Boltinhouse of her title was made in coordination with Boltinhouse, state directors in North Carolina, and “in consultation with the Miss USA organization.”

Brodeur said Boltinhouse was expected to release a statement “soon,” but said he wanted to “speak to the issue plainly, because our titleholders, our state directors, fans and every young woman watching deserves to hear where I stand.”

After saying the Miss USA organization condemns “racism,” “homophobia,” and “transphobia,” Brodeur added, “that is not a policy written for a press release. It is the floor of what it means to represent the brand.”

“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,” the Miss USA CEO said. “When that standard is broken, the title cannot continue as though nothing happened.”

A Blaize Productions, which runs pageants in the Carolinas, released the following statement, in part, on social media:

“After careful consideration, multiple conversations, and in consultation with the Miss USA Organization, A Blaize Productions has made the difficult decision to conclude Brittany Boltinhouse’s reign as Miss North Carolina USA 2026.

“This decision was not made lightly. It followed a thorough review of recently surfaced information and was based on the totality of the circumstances and our responsibility to preserve the integrity of the Miss North Carolina USA title and the values of our organization.”

First-runner up Myla Hadley will represent North Carolina at upcoming pageant

Blaize Productions didn’t elaborate on the “recently surfaced information. That organization said Myla Hadley, first runner-up, will represent North Carolina at the pageant later this month.

“We have every confidence that she will represent North Carolina with grace, professionalism, and dedication as she prepares for Miss USA,” the organization said of Hadley.

In a post to her Instagram story, Hadley, wrote, “Thank you to everyone for all the support and love you’ve shown me throughout this entire process. I am extremely grateful and humbled by all the encouraging messages and the support I’ve received.”

Hadley continued, saying, “I understand the seriousness and level of prestige that this title carries,” and that she and her team “are ready to take this on.”

The Miss USA pageant is slated to take place in Miami, Florida, on Aug. 27.

“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 said. “I am ready to represent North Carolina. Thank you all again for your motivation and well wishes.”

Read Blaize Productions’ full statement

“At A Blaize Productions, our mission has always been to empower women to lead with integrity, courage, accountability, and purpose. We believe that people are capable of growth, that grace and accountability can coexist, and that one mistake does not have to define an entire life.

We also believe that leadership carries a unique responsibility. As an organization entrusted with selecting and preparing women to represent our states on the national stage, we must uphold the standards and values that our titleholders agree to embrace when accepting the honor of wearing the crown.

After careful consideration, multiple conversations, and in consultation with the Miss USA Organization, A Blaize Productions has made the difficult decision to conclude Brittany Boltinhouse’s reign as Miss North Carolina USA 2026.

This decision was not made lightly. It followed a thorough review of recently surfaced information and was based on the totality of the circumstances and our responsibility to preserve the integrity of the Miss North Carolina USA title and the values of our organization.

We recognize the hard work Brittany invested in earning the title and sincerely thank her for the time, dedication, and commitment she gave throughout this process. We wish her nothing but the very best as she moves forward.

In accordance with our succession procedures, Myla Hadley, First Runner-Up, will assume the title of Miss North Carolina USA 2026. We have every confidence that she will represent North Carolina with grace, professionalism, and dedication as she prepares for Miss USA.

We ask our pageant family, supporters, and the public to extend kindness and respect to both Brittany and Myla during this transition. 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.”

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Carrie Hodgin with sister station WXII contributed to this report