First runner-up Myla Hadley will take over the title and represent North Carolina at the upcoming Miss USA competition.
RALEIGH, NC — Brittany Boltinhouse has been removed as Miss North Carolina USA 2026, weeks after winning the state pageant, following the resurfacing of social media posts that allegedly contained racist language.
A Blaize Productions, which manages the North Carolina competition, announced the decision Aug. 5 after what it described as a careful review of recently surfaced information. The organization said it held several conversations and consulted with the Miss USA Organization before ending Boltinhouse’s reign. Pageant officials did not identify the specific posts in their announcement.
The removal means Boltinhouse will not represent North Carolina at the 2026 Miss USA competition in Miami. Myla Hadley, who finished as the first runner-up in the state contest, has assumed the Miss North Carolina USA title and is expected to compete at the national pageant later in August.
Reports about the controversy focused on old posts allegedly published under the social media name “Sosa the Stallion.” The North Carolina news site NC Beat reported that the posts, dated between 2017 and 2019, included repeated use of a racial slur. The posts were attributed to Boltinhouse by the outlet, but the pageant organizations did not publicly release their review or independently detail how they verified the accounts.
Boltinhouse was crowned Miss North Carolina USA on June 28. She had promoted her win as a milestone and said she was proud to be the first Honduran woman to represent North Carolina in the Miss USA competition. Her reign lasted a little more than five weeks.
Thom Brodeur, chairman and CEO of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA, said the decision involved conduct that appeared to extend beyond a single incident. He said titleholders hold positions of public trust and are expected to follow the organization’s standards during and before their reigns.
Brodeur said the Miss USA Organization does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia or language that takes away another person’s dignity. He also said accountability should not become an excuse for cruelty toward Boltinhouse as she faces public criticism.
According to Brodeur, Boltinhouse prepared a statement that included an apology, ownership and accountability. As of late Thursday, a full response from Boltinhouse was not widely available through her verified public accounts. The exact circumstances surrounding the alleged posts and the pageant’s review have not been publicly disclosed.
A Blaize Productions said its decision was based on the totality of the circumstances and its responsibility to protect the integrity of the state title. The organization said the crown carries expectations that go beyond appearances and competition results, including conduct that reflects its stated values.
Hadley said she was grateful for the support she received after the unexpected title change. She said she understood the responsibility attached to the position and was ready to represent North Carolina despite having only a short period to prepare for the national competition.
Pageant officials said Hadley has their full confidence and support as she begins her reign. She is now expected to join contestants from across the country at the Miss USA competition in Miami, while Boltinhouse’s time as the state titleholder has officially ended.
Author note: Last updated August 6, 2026.