Miss North Carolina USA stripped of title over racist social media allegations

Brittany Boltinhouse, who was crowned Miss North Carolina USA in June, has lost her title after racist posts reportedly linked to her social media surfaced online. A Blaze Productions, the pageant organizer, announced the decision on Wednesday following a thorough review of the information.

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The decision was not made lightly. It followed a thorough review … 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.

The organization stated that the decision was not made lightly and was based on preserving the integrity of the Miss North Carolina USA title and its values. While not specifying the exact reason, they expressed belief in people's capacity for growth, where grace and accountability can coexist.

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The brand does “not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia nor language that strips any person of their dignity.

Local news outlet NCbeat first reported on posts from 2017 and 2019, under the X handle Sosa the Stallion, which appeared to contain racist and derogatory language and were linked to Boltinhouse. Boltinhouse, who was preparing to represent North Carolina at the Miss USA pageant, is the first woman of Honduran heritage to hold the Miss North Carolina USA title. First runner-up Myla Hadley has now inherited the crown.

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A title here isn’t a trinket, it is a position of trust extended by an organization and accepted by a woman who agrees to carry a standard in public.

Thom Brodeur, president and CEO of the Miss USA organization, emphasized that the brand does not tolerate racism or any language that strips individuals of their dignity. He noted that a title is a position of trust, and when that trust is broken, the title cannot continue. Boltinhouse is expected to release her own statement soon.

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When that standard is broken, the title cannot continue as though nothing has happened.