Brittany Boltinhouse, 27, has been formally stripped of her Miss North Carolina USA title just over a month after winning, following the resurfacing of alleged racist social media posts. The decision, announced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, came after a thorough review by pageant organizers.
Organizers at A-Blaize Productions, which managed the state competition, said the move was difficult but necessary to preserve the integrity of the title. In a statement, they said the decision was based on the totality of the circumstances and their responsibility to uphold the values of the organization.
Organizers defend decision
The statement read: “This decision was not made lightly. It followed a thorough review of recently surfaced information and was based on the totality of the circumstances and our responsibility to preserve the integrity of the Miss North Carolina USA title and the values of our organization.”
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 emphasized that this standard is not just a press release policy but the minimum requirement for representing the brand.
Details of the posts
Boltinhouse, a business owner from Wilmington, is accused of using a racial slur in multiple social media posts between 2017 and 2019 under the alias “Sosa the Stallion,” according to NCBeat. She reportedly used the n-word and referred to herself as “toxic” in the posts.
Boltinhouse, who is of Honduran-Mexican descent, was the first Honduran model to win the title. She had expressed pride in her heritage after her June 28 victory, saying, “Representation matters, and I hope every little girl who has ever wondered if she belongs can see that she does.”
Brodeur's commentary
Brodeur said the conduct reflected an extended period of time, not a single moment. He stated: “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.”
Although Boltinhouse apologized, Brodeur noted that her apology “does not undo the harm, and it does not change the outcome.”
Successor named
Myla Hadley, the first runner-up, has assumed the title. She said she is “humbled” by the congratulatory messages and ready to represent North Carolina at the 75th annual Miss USA competition, which begins August 24 in Miami, Florida.
Boltinhouse had been scheduled to compete in that event. Her dethroning comes as a significant setback, as the Miss USA pageant is a major platform for contestants nationwide.
