The reigning Miss North Carolina USA, Brittany Boltinhouse, has been stripped of her title by pageant organizers due to "recently surfaced information" and "conduct over an extended period of time." The runner-up, Myla Hadley, will now assume the crown and represent North Carolina at the national Miss USA pageant on August 27.
Blaize Productions, the executive producer and state license holder for the Miss North Carolina USA pageants, announced the decision on Thursday. While the organization has not specified the exact nature of the information, a screenshot has circulated on social media platforms showing posts attributed to an account believed to belong to Boltinhouse that allegedly contain racial slurs from 2017 and 2019. The Daily Mail reported that it could not verify these posts or confirm if Boltinhouse authored them.
In a statement released on Instagram, a spokesperson for Blaize Productions stated that the decision "was not made lightly" and followed a "thorough review." The organization emphasized its responsibility to "preserve the integrity of the Miss North Carolina USA title and the values of our organization." They expressed gratitude for Boltinhouse's contributions and wished her well, while also requesting kindness for both her and Hadley during the transition.
Thom Brodeur, chairman of Miss USA, further elaborated on the decision in a lengthy Instagram message. He affirmed that the organization "does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia nor language that strips any person of their dignity." Brodeur clarified that the revocation was not based on a "single moment" but rather "conduct over an extended period of time." He stated, "When that standard is broken, the title cannot continue as though nothing happened."
Brodeur added that state titleholders undergo a vetting process, and the organization acted once the information came to their attention. He also called for public empathy toward Boltinhouse, describing her as a "young woman at the center of this" who has faced public scrutiny. He noted that a statement from Boltinhouse, which he had reviewed, includes "ownership, accountability and apology," and suggested that while this does not reverse the harm, it is a step toward repair.
One of Boltinhouse's family members spoke to the Daily Mail, stressing the importance of presenting "her truth" and the "proper narrative" rather than one that serves to "save the face [of] an organization." The family member indicated they are taking time for prayer and unity before responding further.
Hadley, the new Miss North Carolina USA, thanked supporters for their encouragement and expressed her readiness to assume the responsibilities of the title. She stated that she has been preparing to represent North Carolina since first competing with the organization and is prepared for the national competition.