By The Daily Caller (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-07 14:26:21 | Updated at 2026-08-07 17:54:29
4 hours ago
Miss USA CEO Thom Brodeur announced that newly crowned Miss North Carolina USA, Brittany Boltinhouse, was stripped of her title weeks after winning the 2026 pageant.
Brodeur issued a lengthy statement Aug. 5 on Instagram, but didn’t fully disclose the reason for the abrupt change. He said the organization “does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia nor language that strips any person of their identity.”
He went on to say there wasn’t a “single moment” that cost Boltinhouse her title, but noted that the decision was based on “conduct over an extended period of time.”
The internet quickly erupted with reactions, with many users expressing skepticism over the situation.
Local outlet WITN reported that “inflammatory” social media posts allegedly shared by Boltinhouse resurfaced after her win, and ultimately led to her cancelation.
“This decision was not made lightly,” the statement reads. “It 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.”
Reddit users chimed in, with one saying, “I honestly laughed out loud just because that wasn’t what I was expecting at all.”
Another individual said, “looking at her pictures, culturally she’s black.” They went on to say, “there’s nothing racist about her tweets,” and “it’s 100% not racist at all in context.”
Brittany Boltinhouse, Miss North Carolina USA 2026, was stripped of her title, the Miss USA organization announced on Wednesday. The organization said it does not tolerate "racism, homophobia, transphobia, nor language that strips any person of their dignity."… pic.twitter.com/mKuDYHb6rZ
— ABC News (@ABC) August 6, 2026Brodeur’s statement continued, “A title here isn’t a trinket.”
“It is a position of trust, extended by an organization and accepted by a woman who agrees to carry a standard in public. When that standard is broken, the title cannot continue as though nothing happened.”
He went on to assert “that is not a policy written for a press release. It is the floor of what it means to represent this brand.”
Reddit users pushed back, drawing attention to Boltinhouse’s profile by noting, “in case anyone else is wondering, the flag is Honduras.” Another person chimed in to ask, “Is she a black Honduran?”
Social media noted that Boltinhouse was a vocal Trump supporter. (RELATED: Trans Woman Makes History As The Newly-Crowned Miss Maryland USA)
Myla Hadley was awarded the crown after the misconduct scandal.
Boltinhouse was slated to participate in the Miss USA pageant Aug. 24-27 in Miami.
