Former Miss North Carolina USA Brittany Boltinhouse says she believes her conservative Christian faith and political views played a role in the pageant organization’s decision to strip her of the title just weeks before she was set to compete nationally.
The Miss USA Organization announced Wednesday that Ms. Boltinhouse had lost her crown. Chairman and CEO Thom Brodeur did not specify what conduct prompted the move, saying only that the organization “does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia nor language that strips any person of their dignity,” and that the conduct occurred over an extended period, according to a Fox News report.
A Blaize Productions, which runs the North Carolina pageant, said the decision followed a “thorough review of recently surfaced information” and asked the public to “extend kindness and respect” to both Ms. Boltinhouse and her successor, first runner-up Myla Hadley, in a statement carried by WRAL. Mr. Brodeur echoed that sentiment, cautioning that holding a titleholder accountable is “not permission to strip someone of their humanity.”
Ms. Boltinhouse, 27, of Duplin County, won the state title on June 28 and was scheduled to represent North Carolina at the 75th annual Miss USA pageant on Aug. 27 in Miami. She has not been told the specific reason for her removal and said a nondisclosure agreement bars her from discussing the circumstances in detail.
In her first extended public comments since losing the crown, made in an on-camera interview with the Carolina Journal and reported by ABC11, Ms. Boltinhouse said, “I think and believe that my title was ripped from me because of my beliefs.” She described herself as a proud member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a supporter of President Trump, though she said she does not know for certain whether her political stance factored into the decision.
Despite the loss, Ms. Boltinhouse struck a conciliatory tone, saying, “I know who I am and I know what I can become” and that she hopes other women — conservative or not — feel free to speak their minds regardless of the platform. Ms. Hadley, who takes her place at the national pageant, said on social media that she and her team are ready for the “two-week turnaround.”
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