Miss North Carolina USA has lost her title just weeks before the Miss USA pageant, with organizers saying the move followed what they described as a prolonged pattern of behavior that fell short of the pageant organization’s standards.
Miss USA Chairman Thom Brodeur did not detail the specific actions that led to Brittany Boltinhouse being dethroned. In a statement, however, he said the organization “does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia nor language that strips any person of their dignity,” noting that the concerns involved conduct that took place “over an extended period of time.”
The decision abruptly cuts short Boltinhouse’s time as Miss North Carolina USA only weeks after she secured the state crown, and less than three weeks before she was expected to compete for North Carolina at the 75th Miss USA pageant on Aug. 27.
Brittany Boltinhouse pictured as Miss Wilmington, USA at the North Carolina Azalea Festival in Wilmington, North Carolina, in April. (Instagram/espino.sosa)
Myla Hadley, who finished as first runner-up in the North Carolina competition, will step into the role and compete on the Miss USA national stage “with our full confidence and our support,” Brodeur said.
According to Brodeur, the decision was reached after discussions involving Boltinhouse, her state directors and the Miss USA organization. He emphasized that while Miss USA maintains a “zero tolerance” approach to certain conduct, accountability should not come at the expense of a person’s basic humanity.
Brittany Boltinhouse pictured as Miss Wilmington, USA. (Instagram/espino.sosa)
“There is a young woman at the center of this,” Brodeur said. “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.”
“I have never believed that accountability requires cruelty, or that holding a line means enjoying the fall of the person who crossed it,” he continued.
Brodeur said Boltinhouse plans to issue her own statement to speak to the matter “in her own voice.” The chairman said he has reviewed her statement and described it as showing “ownership, accountability and apology.”
Brittany Boltinhouse was crowned Miss North Carolina just weeks ago, and was set to represent the state at the 75th annual Miss USA pageant on Aug. 27. (Instagram/espino.sosa)
“I believe people can change,” Brodeur said. “Change is not a statement. It is a record. It is built over time, in the open, through conduct rather than apology alone.”
News Outlet has reached out to Boltinhouse for comment.
State pageant organizer A Blaize Productions similarly announced the decision after what they described as a “thorough review of recently surfaced information” but did not elaborate on the nature of the allegations.
“We ask our pageant family, supporters, and the public to extend kindness and respect to both Brittany and Myla during this transition,” the organization said in a statement. “Moments like these are never easy for anyone involved, and we remain committed to treating everyone with dignity while continuing our mission of empowering the next generation of women leaders.”
Hadley acknowledged the abrupt transition in a social media post, saying she understands “the seriousness and level of prestige that this title carries.”
“While this may seem like a two-week turnaround given the circumstances, I’ve been preparing to represent at Miss USA since I first competed with this organization,” Hadley wrote. “I am ready to represent North Carolina.”
