Brittany Boltinhouse has been removed as Miss North Carolina USA 2026 just weeks before she was expected to compete on the national stage.

A Blaize Productions, which oversees the state pageant, announced that Boltinhouse’s reign had ended following what it described as a thorough review of “recently surfaced information.” First runner-up Myla Hadley will now assume the title and represent North Carolina at the Miss USA pageant.

WWAY reported that the controversy followed the resurfacing of alleged past social media posts that drew public criticism. However, pageant officials have not released the posts or explained precisely what Boltinhouse was accused of saying. WRAL also noted that organizers had not publicly specified the conduct that led to her removal.

That distinction remains important. While statements from pageant leaders addressed the organization’s standards, the exact content of the information reviewed has not been independently detailed in the reports available.

Decision followed review and consultations

A Blaize Productions said the decision came after careful consideration, several conversations and consultation with the Miss USA Organization.

The company said it considered the full circumstances and its responsibility to protect the integrity of the Miss North Carolina USA title.

It also acknowledged the work Boltinhouse had put into earning the crown and thanked her for her time and commitment.

According to the organization, titleholders accept a responsibility to uphold certain standards while representing their state. At the same time, its statement stressed that accountability and personal growth could coexist.

“We believe that people are capable of growth, that grace and accountability can coexist, and that one mistake does not have to define an entire life,” the organization said.

The company also asked supporters and members of the public to treat both Boltinhouse and Hadley with kindness during the change in leadership.

Miss USA chairman addresses organizational standards

Miss USA chairman Thom Brodeur also responded publicly to the decision.

Brodeur said the organization does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia or language that denies another person’s dignity. His statement outlined Miss USA’s conduct standards, but it did not identify the particular statements or posts involved in Boltinhouse’s case.

He described a state title as a position of trust rather than a ceremonial prize, saying titleholders are expected to maintain the standards attached to the role.

Brodeur also said the information presented to the organization did not concern a single moment and instead reflected conduct over a longer period. He said Miss USA acted after the matter was brought to its attention.

Even while defending the decision, Brodeur urged people not to turn accountability into personal cruelty. He said Boltinhouse remained a young woman with a family, a future and a life beyond the controversy.

“Zero tolerance is a standard for conduct,” he said. “It is not permission to strip someone of their humanity.”

Brodeur said he had seen a statement from Boltinhouse and believed it showed ownership, accountability and an apology. He added that an apology alone could not reverse the decision, and that meaningful change would have to be demonstrated through future conduct.

At the time of the reports, Boltinhouse had not issued that statement publicly. Brodeur said she would be given the opportunity to address the matter in her own voice.

Boltinhouse, a Duplin County native who now lives in Leland, told WWAY that she did not wish to comment at that time. She had entered the state competition after being crowned Miss Wilmington.

Myla Hadley prepares to represent North Carolina

Myla Hadley, the first runner-up in the state competition, will become Miss North Carolina USA 2026 under the pageant’s succession process.

Hadley previously held the Miss Charlotte title before competing for the state crown. She is now expected to represent North Carolina at the 75th annual Miss USA pageant, scheduled for August 27.

Responding to the transition on social media, Hadley thanked supporters and said she understood the responsibility that came with the title.

Although the change leaves her with a short turnaround before the national competition, Hadley said she had been preparing for such an opportunity since first competing with the organization.

“I am ready to represent North Carolina,” she said.

The succession resolves who will represent the state at Miss USA, but questions surrounding the original decision remain unanswered. Pageant officials have explained the standards behind their action without publicly disclosing the specific information they reviewed.

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