BEULAVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – Just weeks before the Miss USA competition, the woman from Duplin County who was set to represent North Carolina has been stripped of her title.
A Blaize Productions, the organization that produces the Miss North Carolina USA pageant, announced Wednesday that it has ended Brittany Boltinhouse’s reign as Miss North Carolina USA 2026.
Boltinhouse, who is originally from Beulaville, was featured in a recent WITN story after earning the title in June. She had been preparing to represent North Carolina at the 75th annual Miss USA pageant later this month in Miami.
That story was shared on social media, where some comments supported her — others shared concern about her representing North Carolina by sharing past inflammatory social media posts purported to be by Boltinhouse.
In a statement, pageant officials said the decision came after “careful consideration, multiple conversations, and in consultation with the Miss USA Organization.”
The organization said the decision followed “a thorough review of recently surfaced information” but did not specify what that information was.
The statement added that while the organization believes “people are capable of growth” and that “grace and accountability can coexist,” it also said leaders representing the organization must uphold the standards and values expected of titleholders.
Miss USA’s President and CEO, Thom Brodeur, also issued a statement, saying that the organization “does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia nor language that strips any person of their dignity.”
Brodeur goes on to say that their decision was not based on a single moment; rather, it “reflected conduct over an extended period of time.”
Brodeur and pageant officials thanked Boltinhouse for her dedication and wished her well.
Under the organization’s succession procedures, first runner-up Myla Hadley has been named Miss North Carolina USA 2026 and will now represent the state at the Miss USA pageant.
The organization asked supporters to extend kindness and respect to both women during the transition.
WITN will continue to update the story as we learn more.
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