Just weeks after being crowned Miss North Carolina USA, Brittany Boltinhouse has been stripped of the title, organizers announced on Aug. 5.
A Blaize Productions, which holds the state license for the Miss North Carolina USA pageant, said in asocial media statement that the decision "followed a thorough review of recently surfaced information."
"This decision was not made lightly," the statement added.
Thom Brodeur, CEO of Miss USA, also confirmed Boltinhouse's exit in a statement.
Neither Brodeur – who acquired the rights to Miss USA in September 2025, a year after the pageant was rocked by allegations of mistreatment under the previous leadership – nor A Blaize Productions detailed the reason for Boltinhouse's removal.
"What was brought to us was not
a single moment. It reflected conduct over an extended period of time. That is why this outcome was reached, and I stand behind it without qualification," Brodeur said.
The news comes less than two months after Boltinhouse was crowned Miss North Carolina USA on June 28. Myla Hadley, the first runner-up, will now assume the title and compete at the Miss USA pageant later this month, organizers said.
USA TODAY has reached out to Boltinhouse for comment.
Miss USA CEO condemns racism amid Miss North Carolina USA's removal
While Miss North Carolina USA and Miss USA organizers did not detail the reason for Boltinhouse's removal, Brodeur condemned hate speech in his statement.
"The Miss USA organization does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia nor language that strips any person of their dignity – whoever they are," he wrote. "That is not a policy written for a press release. It is the floor of what it means to represent this brand."
Brodeur said Boltinhouse "will soon issue her own statement," adding, "she should be the one to speak to this in her own voice."
"I have seen Brittany's statement. There is ownership, accountability and apology. I respect that," he said. "While it does not undo the harm, and it does not change the outcome, it is the beginning of the only thing that ever repairs harm, which is change."
Who is Brittany Boltinhouse? Miss North Carolina USA titleholder stripped
Boltinhouse held the title of Miss Wilmington USA before winning the Miss North Carolina USA title, according to her bio on A Blaize Productions' website.
The 27-year-old is also an entrepreneur and owns two flooring and turf companies, per an interview on The Pageant Project podcast last month.
Per A Blaize Productions, Boltinhouse was both the first married woman and the first woman of Honduran descent to to be crowned Miss North Carolina USA.
"Proud of her Honduran and Mexican heritage, Brittany is passionate about empowering others to take risks, pursue their dreams, and create opportunities through entrepreneurship," her bio says.
Miss North Carolina USA first runner-up gets title after winner removed
Hadley, who is now the Miss North Carolina USA titleholder after Boltinhouse's removal, addressed the situation on her Instagram story.
"I am extremely grateful and humbled for all the encouraging messages and support I've received," she said.
"I understand the seriousness and level of prestige that this title carries, and I can confidently say that both my team and I are ready to take this on," she added.
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. Keep up with her on X @melinakh and Instagram @bymelinakhan.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Miss North Carolina USA stripped of title weeks after win
