Brittany Boltinhouse stripped of Miss North Carolina USA title

Brittany Boltinhouse, the 27-year-old Miss North Carolina USA 2026, has been stripped of her title following the resurfacing of controversial social media posts from approximately a decade ago. Organizers from A Blaize Productions stated the decision was based on the "totality of the circumstances" regarding past conduct that was inconsistent with the pageant's standards. Miss USA President and CEO Thom Brodeur noted that the organization does not tolerate "racism, homophobia, transphobia nor language that strips any person of their dignity."

Boltinhouse has disputed the reasoning, claiming she was targeted because of her identity as a "conservative Christian woman." She expressed belief that her political stance and religious views were the true cause of her removal.

The title has been passed to first runner-up Myla Hadley, who will represent North Carolina at the Miss USA pageant in Miami.