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Brittany Boltinhouse, recently crowned Miss North Carolina USA 2026, has been dethroned after alleged racist social media posts resurfaced.
Miss USA CEO Thom Brodeur confirmed the decision on Wednesday, saying Boltinhouse agreed to step down after her conduct violated the organization's standards.
"The Miss USA Organization does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia nor language that strips any person of their dignity," Brodeur stated, noting the behavior occurred over an extended period.
Local outlet NC Beat reported that Boltinhouse allegedly used the alias "Sosa the Stallion" between 2017 and 2019, posting racially charged comments and repeatedly using the n-word. While the organization did not detail the posts, it said the decision followed a "thorough review of recently surfaced information."
Boltinhouse won the North Carolina crown in June and had been preparing to compete at the upcoming 75th Miss USA pageant later this month.
Runner-up Myla Hadley has now been named Miss North Carolina USA 2026 and will compete nationally. "She has our full confidence and support," Brodeur said.
In his remarks, Brodeur emphasized that accountability does not mean cruelty. "There is a young woman at the center of this. She has been named, examined, and judged in public in a way that most of us would not survive. She is still a human being with a family and a future," he said.
He added that Boltinhouse has prepared a statement taking ownership and apologizing for her conduct.
Myla Hadley addressed the sudden change in a post of her own, saying she recognizes the weight and responsibility of the crown and feels prepared to step into the role as North Carolina's representative.
The organization stressed its commitment to treating everyone with dignity while upholding the values of the Miss USA brand. "Grace and accountability can coexist," it said, but preserving the integrity of the crown required decisive action.
