Miss North Carolina USA stripped of title after allegedly racist posts resurface

Brittany Boltinhouse, 27, has been stripped of her Miss North Carolina USA title days after racist social media posts from her past resurfaced. The decision was announced Wednesday by pageant organizer A Blaize Productions, which said it had completed a thorough review of recently surfaced information.

The organization did not disclose what Boltinhouse had allegedly posted, but said the decision came after careful consideration, multiple conversations, and consultation with the Miss USA Organization. In a statement, A Blaize Productions said it believes people are capable of growth and that grace and accountability can coexist, but it must also uphold the standards and values expected of titleholders.

Boltinhouse won the title in June and had been preparing to represent North Carolina at the 75th annual Miss USA pageant in Miami later this month. Organizers said the decision to remove her was not made lightly. The first runner-up, Myla Hadley, has been named Miss North Carolina USA 2026.

Thom Brodeur, president and CEO of Miss USA, said the brand does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia, or language that strips any person of their dignity. He said Boltinhouse had apologized, but that apology would not undo the harm or change the outcome.

Local outlet NCBeat reported that the resurfaced posts appeared to show Boltinhouse using a racial slur under the username Sosa the Stallion between 2017 and 2019. After winning the crown in June, Boltinhouse posted on Instagram about moments that forever change a person, saying the crown was bigger than her and was for people who have been underestimated.