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Miss North Carolina USA 2026 Brittany Boltinhouse has been dethroned just over a month after winning the title.
The Miss USA Organization announced on Aug. 5 that Boltinhouse would no longer hold the title after what it described as conduct that violated the organization’s standards.
The decision came after discussions between Boltinhouse, her state directors and the Miss USA Organization. The organization did not reveal specific details about the conduct involved.
Miss North Carolina USA 2026 Dethroned After Organization Condemns Hate Speech
Miss USA Chairman and CEO Thom Brodeur addressed the decision in a statement, saying the organization does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia or language that harms a person’s dignity.
Brodeur said those values represent the minimum expectations for anyone representing the Miss USA brand.
“A title here isn’t a trinket,” he said, explaining that winners take on a public responsibility when they accept the crown.
He added that the organization could not allow a titleholder to continue after breaking those standards.
Organization Says Decision Followed Extended Conduct Concerns
Brodeur explained that the decision did not come from one isolated incident.
According to him, the concerns involved conduct that occurred over an extended period of time. He said that was the reason the organization supported ending Boltinhouse’s reign.
The Miss USA leadership also stated that state titleholders go through a selection and approval process before competing.
Brodeur said the organization acted after receiving the information and reviewing the situation.
Miss USA Chairman Addresses Accountability and Change
While defending the decision, Brodeur also emphasized that Boltinhouse remains a person deserving of respect.
He said accountability should not involve cruelty and that consequences do not remove someone’s humanity.
Brodeur noted that Boltinhouse had prepared a statement that included accountability and an apology. He said an apology alone cannot reverse harm but can become the first step toward change.
He also shared that he believes people can grow through reflection and improved actions over time.
Myla Hadley Named New Miss North Carolina USA 2026
Following Boltinhouse’s removal, the Miss USA Organization announced that Myla Hadley will take over the Miss North Carolina USA 2026 title.
Brodeur said Hadley has the organization’s full confidence and support as she begins her new role.
Boltinhouse, who is from Beulaville, won the Miss North Carolina USA crown on June 28. Her reign ended shortly after her victory as the organization addressed the controversy surrounding her conduct.
The Miss USA Organization has not shared additional details about future steps involving Boltinhouse.
Source: Miss USA Organization / PEOPLE
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