Former Miss North Carolina USA Claims Conservative Faith Led to Crown Removal

Brittany Boltinhouse, who was dethroned as Miss North Carolina USA on Aug. 5, has attributed her removal to her conservative Christian beliefs and political views. The Miss USA Organization stripped her of the title without specifying the conduct involved, though Chairman Thom Brodeur stated the organization “does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia nor language that strips any person of their dignity,” citing behavior that unfolded “over an extended period of time.”

Boltinhouse’s reign lasted mere weeks after she won the state competition and ended less than three weeks before the 75th annual Miss USA pageant scheduled for Aug. 27, where she was set to represent North Carolina. She will be replaced by first runner-up Myla Hadley. In a Friday interview with the Carolina Journal, Boltinhouse characterized the loss of her title as ultimately positive.

“I believe and think I was stripped from my title because of my political stance and my belief system as a conservative Christian woman,” Boltinhouse stated. She cited a confidentiality agreement preventing her from discussing specific circumstances but expressed pride in her faith, standards, and conservative identity while declining to confirm whether support for President Donald Trump contributed to the decision.

Despite the controversy, Boltinhouse said she has forgiven the organization and urged other women to maintain their convictions. “To always stand for what you believe, no matter what, no matter where, no matter what you do,” she said. Brodeur emphasized that accountability should not involve personal attacks, noting that Boltinhouse “has been named, examined, and judged in public in a way that most of us would not survive.”