Brittany Boltinhouse has been removed as Miss North Carolina USA 2026 just over a month after winning the state title. Pageant organizers announced the decision on August 5 following a review of recently surfaced information and discussions with the Miss USA Organization.

Miss USA chairman and CEO Thom Brodeur said the organization does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia or language that strips people of their dignity. Officials said the issue involved conduct over an extended period rather than one isolated incident, but they did not publicly release the specific material that led to the decision.

Several news outlets have reported that older social media posts allegedly connected to Boltinhouse included racist language. Those posts have not been independently released or fully detailed by the pageant organization. Boltinhouse is expected to address the controversy publicly and reportedly plans to acknowledge the situation and apologize.

First runner-up Myla Hadley has now assumed the title of Miss North Carolina USA 2026. Hadley said she is grateful for the support she has received and is preparing to represent North Carolina at the upcoming Miss USA competition in Miami.

The controversy has renewed discussion about accountability, personal growth and the standards expected of public titleholders. Pageant officials said they believe people can change, but emphasized that holding a Miss USA title is a position of trust and responsibility.