Miss North Carolina USA Brittany Boltinhouse has been stripped of her title, with the Miss USA Organisation citing “racism, homophobia and transphobia”. The decision was announced on Wednesday (5 August), less than a month after Boltinhouse was crowned and just weeks before she was due to compete at Miss USA 2026 in Miami. “Miss USA does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia” – Miss USA president and CEO Thom Brodeur“Miss USA does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia, nor language that strips any person of their dignity — whoever they are,” Brodeur said. The Miss USA Organisation did not identify the material behind its decision. First runner-up Myla Hadley has now been promoted to Miss North Carolina USA 2026 and will compete in her place.