Former Miss North Carolina USA Releases Statement After Being Dethroned for “Conduct Over an Extended Period of Time”

Former Miss North Carolina USA 2026 Brittany Boltinhouse has shared her first comments after being dethroned on August 5 for her “conduct over an extended period of time.”Speaking to Carolina Journal, Boltinhouse said in part, “I’m not allowed to speak about things, but as of today, I believe and think I was stripped from my title because of my political stance and my belief system as a conservative Christian woman. I will say every teenager has made a mistake. Every person here has made a mistake, but I'm not really here to talk about that. I'm here to talk about the woman I am today. Things may happen decades ago, but I am here to talk about the hard-working woman, the woman who was standing there as Miss North Carolina USA. I won fair and square.”Her comments come after chairman and CEO Thom Brodeur made it clear that Miss USA “does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia nor language that strips any person of their dignity.”Brodeur didn’t give details about Boltinhouse’s specific conduct, but did say, “What was brought to us was not a single moment. It reflected conduct over an extended period of time. That is why this outcome was reached, and I stand behind it without qualification.”Add Cosmopolitan as a preferred source in your Google search results.Use your Google account to add this to your settings.He added, “I believe people can change. I’m also quite aware that change is not a statement. It is a record. It is built over time, in the open, through conduct rather than apology alone.”Meanwhile, a rep for A Blaize Productions told USA TODAY in part that their decision to dethrone Boltinhouse was not based on her “political views, religious beliefs, or protected personal viewpoints.” They added, “Our organization includes people from various backgrounds, political views, personal beliefs, and values. We welcome and celebrate that. The decision followed a careful review of the totality of information that came to our attention, including previously undisclosed conduct and public content spanning multiple years that was inconsistent with the standards and responsibilities expected of a Miss North Carolina USA titleholder under the agreements governing the position.”Myla Hadley has assumed the role of Miss North Carolina USA, and also released a statement, saying, “Thank you to everyone for all the support and love you’ve shown me throughout this entire process. I am extremely grateful and humbled by all the encouraging messages and the support I’ve received. I understand the seriousness and level of prestige that this title carries, and I can confidently say that both my team and I are ready to take this on.”She went on to say, “While this may seem like a two-week turnaround given the circumstances, I’ve been preparing to represent at Miss USA since I first competed with this organization. I am ready to represent North Carolina. Thank you all again for your motivation, support, and well wishes.”Instagram