Miss North Carolina USA 2026 stripped of title over alleged misconduct

The Miss USA organization announced Wednesday that Brittany Boltinhouse has been stripped of her Miss North Carolina USA 2026 title. The decision, made jointly with state directors and the organization, follows a review of newly surfaced information that the group said violated its zero-tolerance policy on racism, homophobia and transphobia.

"A title here isn't a trinket. It's a position of trust extended by an organization and accepted by a woman who agrees to carry a standard in public," said Thom Brodeur, chairman and CEO of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA.

Brodeur did not detail the specific conduct but emphasized that the behavior did not meet the pageant's standards. He added that while accountability is required, it should not lead to cruelty, noting that the actions in question allegedly stripped dignity from others.

The organization indicated that Boltinhouse is expected to issue her own statement; a spokesperson said the Miss USA statement was released before she responded to ensure she could speak for herself. A Blaize Productions, which oversees the state competition, said the removal was not taken lightly and was based on the totality of circumstances to preserve the integrity of the title.

Runner-up Myla Hadley has been installed as the new Miss North Carolina USA. The 75th annual Miss USA pageant is set for Aug. 27, with the winner advancing to Miss Universe in November.