Miss Virginia USA, Justus Kelley, 31, was crowned Miss USA on Thursday, marking a historic moment as the first mother to win the national title. The victory comes amid controversy for the Miss USA organization, which was recently sued by a former contestant.
Kelley, who also became the first married woman and the first woman in her 30s to hold the Miss USA crown, celebrated her win on Instagram. "This opportunity means the world to me, and not only are we celebrating the 75th anniversary but we made history tonight," Kelley stated in a video. "I’m the first married woman, first mom and first woman in her 30s. It’s a great night."
The Miss USA organization, which for over 70 years had strict rules prohibiting mothers and married women from competing, changed its policies in August 2022 to allow them to participate starting in 2023. Kelley and her husband, Tyler, are foster parents to two children.
The pageant's milestone achievement was overshadowed by a lawsuit filed earlier this month by Brittany Boltinhouse, 27, who was stripped of her Miss North Carolina USA title days before the national competition. The organization cited "recently surfaced information" for revoking her crown, with a runner-up taking her place. Reports indicated that social media posts from Boltinhouse containing the N-word from 2017 and 2019 had emerged.
Thom Brodeur, chairman of Miss USA, stated that the organization "does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia nor language that strips any person of their dignity" and that the decision was based on "conduct over an extended period of time."
In her lawsuit, Boltinhouse's lawyers accused Miss USA and its executive producer, A Blaize Productions, of orchestrating a "catastrophic, global campaign to injure" her reputation. They alleged that the organization "weaponized" its social media platforms against the contestant, who identified herself as a "proud conservative" and "God-fearing" woman. Boltinhouse suggested her title was revoked due to her political and religious views rather than the racial slur.
Lawyers for Boltinhouse stated in the lawsuit that they were not seeking reinstatement or contract damages but are seeking compensatory damages for injuries to her reputation, humiliation, emotional distress, and loss of professional and economic opportunities. The lawsuit also accuses the defendants of "knowingly ensuring her excruciating reputational destruction."
A representative for A Blaize Productions countered that Boltinhouse was not removed due to her political or religious affiliations, as contestants are permitted to hold and express such beliefs. The company asserted that the decision was based on "conduct and material that the organization determined was inconsistent with the standards and responsibilities associated with serving as Miss North Carolina USA." The statement added that Boltinhouse was informed of the factors leading to the decision and that the organization does not condone bullying or harassment against her.