Miss Grand USA stripped of title amid hit-and-run charges

Mekyla Li, the reigning Miss Grand USA, has been stripped of her title by the pageant organization, which cited contractual policies as the reason for her removal. While the organization initially offered no specific details, a report from People magazine revealed that Li is currently facing a lawsuit stemming from an alleged hit-and-run incident in November 2024.

The lawsuit, filed by Anna Mercedes Aoun, claims that Li and another individual, Michael Scobey, collided with Aoun's vehicle. The accuser alleges that Li and Scobey were driving under the influence of alcohol and swerved out of their lane. According to the complaint, after the collision, neither Li nor Scobey approached Aoun's vehicle to check on her well-being, nor did they contact emergency services, instead choosing to flee the scene.

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Miss Grand USA announces the finalization of the reign of Mekayla Li and her relevo del título de Miss Grand USA, as well as of all responsibilities associated with the same. This decision has been made in accordance with the contractual policies established by the Miss Grand USA organization.

Li has reportedly pleaded not guilty to the charges of leaving the scene of an accident. The legal process is ongoing. Additionally, People magazine obtained documents suggesting Li may have been married between 2018 and 2019, a fact that could violate a clause in her Miss Grand USA contract, which prohibits participants from having been married or pregnant.

Miss Grand USA issued a statement urging the public to refrain from inciting hatred or personal attacks against Li. The organization emphasized that her dethronement should not be equated with hostility or a lack of empathy, and requested that all discussions surrounding the transition remain respectful. The organization also stated its firm opposition to harassment, defamation, and personal attacks.

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We request that all dialogue surrounding this transition remain respectful, Miss Grand USA firmly opposes harassment, hostility, defamation, derogatory comments, and personal attacks of any kind.