Just weeks after being crowned Miss North Carolina USA, Brittany Boltinhouse has been stripped of her title, organizers announced on Aug. 5. The sudden change in leadership comes less than two months after the 27-year-old entrepreneur was crowned on June 28.
A Blaize Productions, which holds the state license for the pageant, issued a social media statement confirming the decision. The organization stated the removal “followed a thorough review of recently surfaced information,” adding, “This decision was not made lightly.”
Thom Brodeur, CEO of Miss USA, also confirmed the exit. Neither Brodeur—who acquired the rights to Miss USA in September 2025, a year after the pageant was rocked by allegations of mistreatment under previous leadership—nor A Blaize Productions provided specific details regarding the exact cause of Boltinhouse’s removal.
Addressing the nature of the situation, Brodeur noted, “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.”
While the organizations remained vague on specific allegations, Brodeur used his statement to condemn hate speech. “The Miss USA organization does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia nor language that strips any person of their dignity,” 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 mentioned that Boltinhouse would soon issue her own statement, noting that she should be the one to speak in her own voice. He added, “I have seen Brittany’s statement. There is ownership, accountability and apology. 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.”
has reached out to Boltinhouse for comment regarding the situation. Before her short-lived reign as Miss North Carolina USA, Boltinhouse held the title of Miss Wilmington USA. Her professional background includes owning two flooring and turf companies, as noted in a recent podcast interview.
A Blaize Productions previously highlighted that Boltinhouse was the first married woman and the first woman of Honduran descent to be crowned Miss North Carolina USA. Her bio described her as someone passionate about empowering others to pursue dreams through entrepreneurship.
Following the removal, Myla Hadley, the first runner-up, will now assume the title and represent the state at the upcoming Miss USA pageant. Hadley addressed the transition on her Instagram story, stating, “I am extremely grateful and humbled for all the encouraging messages and support I’ve received.”
Hadley expressed her readiness to step into the role, adding, “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.”