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Miss North Carolina USA stripped of title amid allegations of discriminatory conduct

Miss North Carolina USA, Brittany Boltinhouse, was removed from her crown weeks before the national Miss USA pageant after the organization said she violated its anti-racism, anti-homophobia and anti-transphobia standards.

Brittany Boltinhouse, who had recently been crowned Miss North Carolina USA, was dethroned by the Miss USA organization after officials said she engaged in conduct that conflicted with the pageant's policies against racism, homophobia and transphobia. Chairman Thom Brodeur did not detail the alleged behavior but highlighted the group's commitment to dignity and a humane approach to accountability. The decision, made in consultation with Boltinhouse, her state directors and the national organization, came just weeks before the 75th Miss USA pageant scheduled for Aug. 27.

Myla Hadley, the competition's first runner-up, will now step in to compete on behalf of North Carolina. A Blaize Productions, the state pageant organizer, cited a thorough review of recently surfaced information but offered no further specifics, urging the public to treat both women with respect.

Why it matters

The removal reshapes North Carolina's representation at a high-profile national pageant and highlights enforcement of anti-discrimination standards.

In this story

Miss North Carolina USAcrown removalanti-racism policypageant standardsMiss USA competitionMyla Hadleypublic scrutiny