Brittany Boltinhouse, the former Miss North Carolina USA, stated that she believes her conservative Christian values and political beliefs were factors in the Miss USA Organization's decision to strip her of her crown.
The organization announced on August 5 that Boltinhouse had been removed from her title, citing conduct that occurred "over an extended period of time." The statement from Chairman Thom Brodeur also specified that the organization "does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia nor language that strips any person of their dignity."
Boltinhouse, who was crowned Miss North Carolina just weeks prior to the announcement, was scheduled to represent the state at the 75th annual Miss USA pageant on August 27. In an interview with the Carolina Journal, she described losing the title as a "blessing in disguise" and expressed peace with the situation, suggesting she was glad to face the scrutiny rather than have another young woman experience it.
While a confidentiality agreement prevents her from detailing the specific circumstances, Boltinhouse conveyed her belief that her conservative Christian identity was the cause. "I believe and think I was stripped from my title because of my political stance and my belief system as a conservative Christian woman," she said. She further asserted her pride in her faith and her identity as a "God-fearing woman."
When asked if she felt being conservative was disqualifying within the pageant system, Boltinhouse stated that individuals should have the freedom to express their political beliefs. She was uncertain if her support for former President Donald Trump played a role in the decision, as she was not provided with specific reasons for her disqualification.
Despite losing her title, Boltinhouse expressed forgiveness for the Miss USA Organization and hoped her experience would encourage other women to uphold their beliefs. She also extended this message to women of all backgrounds, emphasizing their right to express themselves regardless of their platform or belief system.
Myla Hadley, the first runner-up, is set to compete as Miss North Carolina USA in the national pageant. Brodeur noted that the decision was made in consultation with Boltinhouse and state directors, and he highlighted the importance of treating her with dignity, stating, "There is a young woman at the center of this. 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."