Miss Grand USA has revoked the title from its recent winner, Mekyla Li, just one week after she was crowned. The organization announced the termination of Li's reign and her release from all associated duties, citing adherence to contractual policies.
This decision comes as reports emerge that Li is facing two felony charges related to an alleged hit-and-run incident that occurred in November 2024. According to court documents reviewed by People, Li was arrested following the crash and pleaded not guilty to charges of causing non-serious injury and causing permanent serious injury. The Miss Grand USA organization did not specify the exact reasons for revoking Li's title but stated in an Instagram post that they ask for respectful dialogue regarding the transition and affirmed their stance against bullying and personal attacks.
Li was named Miss Grand USA on August 12. The pageant involves a participant from each state, with the winner advancing to compete in the Miss Grand International Pageant.
Just one day before her title was revoked, Li had shared her excitement on Instagram, posting photos from the competition and her crowning. She described the experience as "surreal" and expressed gratitude for the support she received, stating her intention to "make this year count."
This incident follows a similar case just weeks prior, where Miss North Carolina USA winner Brittany Boltinhouse also had her title revoked. While the organizers cited "recently surfaced information," a screenshot circulated on social media appearing to show posts from an account linked to Boltinhouse containing racial slurs from 2017 and 2019. Boltinhouse, who is preparing to legally challenge the revocation, stated she would not deny the posts but alleged her title was removed due to her "political and religious stance" rather than the controversial remarks. Blaize Productions, the executive producer and state license holder for the Miss USA pageants in North Carolina, denied that Boltinhouse's title was removed because of her political affiliation or religious beliefs.
