Brittany Boltinhouse has been stripped of her Miss North Carolina USA title, just weeks after she was crowned on June 28. The decision was announced on August 5 by A Blaize Productions, the organization that holds the state license for the pageant.
In a social media statement, the production company noted that the removal “followed a thorough review of recently surfaced information,” adding that “this decision was not made lightly.”
Thom Brodeur, CEO of Miss USA, supported the move, stating that the organization had reviewed evidence of conduct occurring over an extended period rather than a single incident. “That is why this outcome was reached, and I stand behind it without qualification,” Brodeur said.
While the organization did not explicitly detail the specific reasons for the removal, Brodeur emphasized that the brand maintains a strict policy against hate speech. He wrote that the Miss USA organization does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia, or language that strips individuals of their dignity, noting that these standards represent the baseline for the brand.
Brodeur also mentioned that Boltinhouse is expected to release her own statement regarding the matter. He noted that he had already reviewed her response, which he described as containing “ownership, accountability and apology.” He added, “I respect that. 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.”
The 27-year-old Boltinhouse previously held the title of Miss Wilmington USA. Beyond her pageant career, she is an entrepreneur who owns two flooring and turf companies. She had made history as the first married woman and the first woman of Honduran descent to win the Miss North Carolina USA title.
Following her removal, the first runner-up, Myla Hadley, has been elevated to the title and will represent the state at the upcoming Miss USA pageant later this month. Hadley addressed the transition on her Instagram story, expressing that she is “extremely grateful and humbled” for the support she has received.
“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,” Hadley added.
Brodeur’s leadership at Miss USA began in September 2025, when he acquired the rights to the pageant one year after it faced significant allegations of mistreatment under previous management. has reached out to Boltinhouse for further comment.
