Miss North Carolina USA Brittany Boltinhouse has been stripped of her title, with the organization citing "recently surfaced information" and a commitment to upholding its values. The runner-up, Myla Hadley, will now assume the crown and represent North Carolina at the upcoming 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 in a statement on Instagram. The company stated that the revocation followed a "thorough review" and was based on the "totality of the circumstances" to "preserve the integrity of the Miss North Carolina USA title and the values of our organization." The statement also expressed gratitude for Boltinhouse's contributions and wished her well, while requesting kindness and respect for both Boltinhouse and Hadley during the transition.
Thom Brodeur, chairman of Miss USA, further elaborated on the decision, emphasizing that the organization "does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia nor language that strips any person of their dignity." He clarified that the decision was not based on a single incident but on "conduct over an extended period of time" that was brought to their attention. Brodeur stressed that a titleholder's position is one of trust and that "when that standard is broken, the title cannot continue as though nothing happened."
Brodeur also urged for compassion towards Boltinhouse, acknowledging her as a "young woman at the center of this" who has faced public scrutiny. He stated that accountability does not require cruelty and that the organization's stance on zero tolerance is a standard for conduct, not a permission to strip someone of their humanity. He mentioned that Boltinhouse would release a statement including "ownership, accountability and apology," which he respected as a "beginning of the only thing that ever repairs harm, which is change."
Myla Hadley, the new Miss North Carolina USA, shared her gratitude on Instagram for the support she received throughout the process. She stated that she is "extremely grateful and humbled" and, along with her team, is ready to take on the responsibilities of the title and represent North Carolina at Miss USA. Hadley noted that while the circumstances are recent, she has been preparing for the competition since she first competed with the organization.