Miss North Carolina USA 2026 Brittany Boltinhouse has lost her crown just weeks before she was set to compete at Miss USA.
Blaize Productions announced Wednesday that Boltinhouse, 27, would no longer represent North Carolina at the national pageant on August 27 in Miami.
First runner-up Myla Hadley will take her place.
“After careful consideration, multiple conversations and in consultation with the Miss USA Organization, A Blaize Productions has made the difficult decision to conclude Brittany Boltinhouse’s reign as Miss North Carolina USA 2026,” organizers said.
The group said titleholders must uphold the “standards and values” they agree to follow when accepting the crown, but did not disclose what led to Boltinhouse’s removal.
Miss USA President and CEO Thom Brodeur issued a separate statement saying the organization “does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia, nor language that strips any person of their dignity, whoever they are.” He did not specifically accuse Boltinhouse of any of those actions.
Boltinhouse shared a lengthy message on Instagram shortly after the announcement.
“Not everyone deserves a seat at the table when it comes to your dreams,” she wrote. “Take advice from people who have walked the path, not just people who have opinions.”
