Title Removed After Just Over a Month

Brittany Boltinhouse is speaking publicly after being removed as Miss North Carolina USA 2026, just weeks after winning the state title.

The Miss USA Organization announced on Aug. 5 that Boltinhouse was no longer the titleholder, saying the decision followed conduct that violated the organization’s standards. The organization did not publicly detail the specific conduct involved.

Boltinhouse Says Her Beliefs Were Behind the Decision

In an interview with Carolina Journal, Boltinhouse said she believes she lost the title because of her identity as a conservative Christian woman.

“I’m proud of my standards,” she said, describing herself as a conservative and Christian woman. She also said a confidentiality clause in her agreement prevents her from discussing certain details surrounding the decision.

Boltinhouse later said, “I think and believe that my title was ripped from me because of my beliefs.” However, the Miss USA Organization has not publicly confirmed that her political or religious views were the reason for her removal.

Pageant Organization Cites Conduct Standards

Thom Brodeur, chairman and CEO of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA, said the decision was reached jointly with Boltinhouse, her state directors and the organization.

Brodeur said the organization does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia or language that strips people of their dignity. He also said the issue involved conduct over an extended period rather than a single incident.

The organization has not publicly provided enough details to independently determine exactly what conduct led to the decision.

A New Titleholder Steps In

With Boltinhouse removed, Myla Hadley, who initially finished as the runner-up, has assumed the Miss North Carolina USA title.

Hadley will now represent North Carolina at the Miss USA competition, with Brodeur saying she has the organization’s full confidence and support.

Boltinhouse Says She Is at Peace

Despite losing the title, Boltinhouse said she is at peace with what happened and believes she can move forward from the controversy.

She also pushed back against the idea that conservative views should be disqualifying in pageantry or American public life, saying people have a constitutional right to hold conservative beliefs.

Questions Remain Unanswered

The dispute has created two competing narratives. Boltinhouse believes her beliefs played a role in the decision, while the Miss USA Organization has pointed to conduct standards and said the matter involved behavior over an extended period.

Without the organization releasing more specific information, it remains unclear what events ultimately led to the title being withdrawn.

For now, Hadley will take over the role, while Boltinhouse says she intends to move forward and focus on what comes next.