Miss Grand USA stripped of crown a week after winning amid hit-and-run, marriage revelations

Mekayla Leigh, crowned Miss Grand USA 2026, has been dethroned just seven days after her victory. The pageant organization announced the termination of her reign and forfeiture of all titles and associated rights, citing a violation of contest rules.

Reports indicate Leigh is involved in ongoing criminal and civil legal proceedings related to hit-and-run incidents. Court documents reveal she faces charges for two separate hit-and-run offenses, one involving minor injuries and another with permanent harm. Additionally, her past marriage has come to light, a detail that may have been undisclosed.

Leigh had expressed excitement after her win, stating her intention to compete in the Miss Grand International pageant later this year in India. However, the controversy surrounding her legal troubles and marital history led to the swift revocation of her crown. The organization has not publicly detailed the specific rule violations but the legal issues are widely believed to be the cause.

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I am so happy, but I am already thinking about the journey ahead.