Brittany Boltinhouse Ousted as Miss North Carolina USA 2026 Following Conduct Review

Just weeks after winning the Miss North Carolina USA 2026 crown, Brittany Boltinhouse has stepped down from the title following what the Miss USA Organization described as repeated conduct that violated its standards.

In a statement released Aug. 5, Miss USA Chairman and CEO Thom Brodeur said the decision was made jointly with Boltinhouse, her state directors and the organization. While he did not detail the specific conduct, Brodeur said the organization has "zero tolerance" for racism, homophobia, transphobia or language that demeans others, adding that the decision was based on behavior "over an extended period of time," not a single incident.

Brodeur stressed that titleholders are expected to uphold the organization's values and said accountability must be balanced with compassion, noting that Boltinhouse remains "a human being" deserving of dignity. He also said he had reviewed Boltinhouse's forthcoming statement, describing it as one of accountability and apology.

The organization announced that first runner-up Myla Hadley will succeed Boltinhouse as Miss North Carolina USA 2026. Boltinhouse, who is from Beulaville, was crowned on June 28.