The Miss USA Organization has stripped Miss North Carolina USA 2026 Brittany Boltinhouse of her title following a review of resurfaced social media posts, saying it "does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia nor language that strips any person of their dignity — whoever they are."
Chairman and CEO of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA Thom Brodeur announced in a statement shared to social media that Boltinhouse's reign has come to an end.
The decision followed what the organization described as conduct that violated its standards and occurred “over an extended period of time” versus a single, isolated incident.
The decision was made jointly with Boltinhouse, state directors and the organization, according to his statement.
Boltinhouse was crowned at the Miss USA competition on June 28 and was 27 years old at the time.
“There are moments in life that forever change who you are. This is one of mine,” she wrote on Instagram after winning the title.
The controversy has centered on social media posts she reportedly made between 2017 and 2019 that resurfaced online in recent days. The posts allegedly included racist language and other offensive content. The organization, however, did not disclose details or specify the alleged misconduct.
Even though she has apologized, Brodeur said it would “not undo the harm, and it does not change the outcome,” adding that he wishes her well.
Brodeur said Boltinhouse would soon be making a separate statement on her own. He also said that state titleholders are typically vetted and approved for competition and that the organization acted "as soon as this reached us."
He also urged others not to be cruel to her, saying she has already been judged to the extent that most people would not survive, adding that he is still a "human being."
As a result of the decision, first runner-up Myla Hadley has been named the new Miss North Carolina USA 2026 and is expected to represent the state at the upcoming Miss USA competition in Miami on Aug. 24.