Just weeks before taking the stage at the 2026 Miss USA competition, Brittany Boltinhouse has been stripped of her Miss North Carolina USA title following a controversy involving alleged racist social media posts from years ago.
The decision means Boltinhouse will no longer represent North Carolina at the 75th Miss USA pageant in Miami. Instead, first runner-up Myla Hadley has been named the new Miss North Carolina USA 2026 and will compete in the national pageant.
Why Was Brittany Boltinhouse Dethroned?
On August 5, the Miss USA Organization and North Carolina pageant organizers announced that Brittany Boltinhouse had been removed from her title after a review of allegations concerning past online behavior.
According to multiple reports, social media posts allegedly made by Boltinhouse between 2017 and 2019 resurfaced online. The posts reportedly included repeated use of the N-word and other offensive language under an alternate social media account.
The organization did not publicly release the specific posts but confirmed that the decision followed discussions with Boltinhouse, state directors, and Miss USA leadership. The pageant said her conduct did not align with the organization’s standards and values.
Organizers said in a statement that the decision to remove Boltinghouse “followed a thorough review of recently surfaced information and was based on the totality of the circumstances and our responsibility to preserve the integrity of the Miss North Carolina USA title and the values of our organization.”
Thom Brodeur, president and CEO of Miss USA, said that their brand “does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia, nor language that strips any person of their dignity – whoever they are”.
Brodeur said Boltinhouse had apologized but that “does not change the outcome”.
At the same time, Brodeur said accountability should not result in public cruelty, noting that Boltinhouse remains deserving of dignity as she faces the consequences of her actions.
Brittany Boltinhouse’s Rise Ends Abruptly
Boltinhouse was crowned Miss North Carolina USA on June 28 after winning the title on her first attempt in pageantry.
The 27-year-old entrepreneur from Wilmington owns flooring and turf businesses in North Carolina. Before the controversy, she had been sharing her excitement about representing the state at Miss USA and discussing her unconventional journey into pageants after building several businesses.
Her reign lasted just over one month before organizers revoked the crown.
Myla Hadley Takes Over as Miss North Carolina USA
With Boltinhouse’s removal, first runner-up Myla Hadley has officially assumed the title of Miss North Carolina USA 2026.
Hadley now has only a short time to prepare before competing at Miss USA in Miami. After being named the new titleholder, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity and said she is ready to represent North Carolina on the national stage.
Hadley has largely avoided commenting directly on the controversy surrounding her predecessor, instead focusing on preparing for the competition.
Has Brittany Boltinhouse Responded?
At the time of the announcement, Boltinhouse had not released a detailed public statement herself.
Miss USA leadership said she had privately acknowledged responsibility and offered an apology. According to the organization, her statement included accountability for her past conduct, but officials determined that it did not change the outcome of their review.
Meanwhile, members of Boltinhouse’s family have spoken publicly, saying they hope her full perspective will eventually be heard while asking for compassion during the controversy.
Another High-Profile Chapter for Miss USA
The incident adds to a series of headline-making controversies involving the Miss USA Organization in recent years.
© Getty ImagesWhile each case has involved different circumstances, the organization has faced increased public scrutiny over leadership decisions, contestant treatment, and titleholder controversies. In Boltinhouse’s case, organizers said the outcome reflected their commitment to enforcing standards consistently regardless of when the alleged conduct occurred.
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