Miss North Carolina USA Loses Crown Ahead of Miss USA Pageant
Miss North Carolina USA, Brittany Boltinhouse, recently lost her crown just weeks before the Miss USA pageant. The decision followed an ongoing pattern of conduct that violated the organization’s standards. Thom Brodeur, Chairman of Miss USA, did not specify the exact behavior but stated they will not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia, or any language that degrades an individual.
The removal of Boltinhouse ends her brief reign. She won the state title weeks ago and was set to compete in the national pageant on August 27. In place of Boltinhouse, Myla Hadley, the first runner-up, will represent North Carolina with full backing from the organization.
“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.”
Brodeur explained this decision resulted from discussions with Boltinhouse, her state directors, and the Miss USA organization. While the organization maintains a ‘zero tolerance’ policy, he emphasized that enforcing rules does not mean dehumanizing the individual involved.
Brodeur mentioned Boltinhouse plans to release a personal statement. He reviewed her statement and noted it reflects her ownership, accountability, and apology. He believes everyone has the potential for change, which comes through consistent actions over time, not merely words.
A Blaize Productions, the state pageant organizer, also announced the decision. They referred to a ‘thorough review of recently surfaced information’ but did not detail the allegations. They urged the community to treat both Brittany and Myla with kindness and respect during this period of transition.
Myla Hadley, acknowledging the sudden change, expressed gratitude and preparedness in a social media post. She recognizes the significance and prestige of the title and commits to representing North Carolina to the best of her ability.