Organizers of the Miss North Carolina USA pageant have pushed back against claims that conservative Christian beliefs led to the removal of its recent winner, Brittany Boltinhouse. Instead, they state the decision stemmed from “the totality of the circumstances” surrounding her past online statements, which they deemed objectionable and inconsistent with the pageant’s standards.
Crown Controversy: A Clash of Values
Brittany Boltinhouse, 27, was crowned Miss North Carolina USA in June but held the title for only a few weeks before it was rescinded. Boltinhouse, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, asserted in an interview that her conservative political stance and her faith as a Christian woman were the primary reasons for the disqualification. “I believe and think I was stripped from my title because of my political stance and my belief system as a conservative Christian woman,” she told the Carolina Journal. “I am proud of my faith. I am proud of my standards. I am a proud conservative woman, but a Christian woman. I’m a God-fearing woman.” She added, “I will never let my guard down for my faith, and also I love this country.”
However, A Blaize Productions, the organization holding the North Carolina state license for the Miss USA pageant, issued a statement clarifying their position. “A Blaize Productions’ decision was not based on Brittany Boltinhouse’s political views, religious beliefs, or protected personal viewpoints,” the statement read. “Our organization includes people from various backgrounds, political views, personal beliefs and values. We welcome and celebrate that.”
Past Statements Under Scrutiny
The pageant organizers elaborated that the decision followed a thorough review of previously undisclosed conduct and public content spanning multiple years. These online posts, which reportedly resurfaced and included repeated use of the N-word, were found to be inconsistent with the responsibilities expected of a Miss North Carolina USA titleholder. The statement concluded, “The decision followed a careful review of the totality of information that came to our attention, including previously undisclosed conduct and public content spanning multiple years that was inconsistent with the standards and responsibilities expected of a Miss North Carolina USA titleholder under the agreements governing the position.”
Miss USA President and CEO Thom Brodeur emphasized the significance of the title, stating that it represents a position of trust. “A title here isn’t a trinket,” Brodeur told ABC News. “It is a position of trust, extended by an organization and accepted by a woman who agrees to carry a standard in public. When that standard is broken, the title cannot continue as though nothing happened.” Brodeur, whose Instagram lists “he/him” pronouns, also stated that the pageant “does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia nor language that strips any person of their dignity,” noting that the objectionable statements reflected conduct over an extended period.
A ‘Blessing in Disguise’?
Boltinhhouse acknowledged that some of the controversial posts originated from 2017-2019, suggesting that “every teenager has made a mistake.” She highlighted her previous success in the pageant, including winning Miss Congeniality, as evidence of her character. “I won’t be judged for my past,” she stated, viewing the loss of her crown as a potential “blessing in disguise.” She expressed gratitude that she was the one facing this challenge, believing she could endure it, unlike perhaps another young woman who might not cope as well.
Boltinhhouse also defended her right to express her views, telling the Carolina Journal, “You have a right to be a conservative in this country, a constitutional right. Everyone has a right to say what they want to say and feel what they want to feel.”
The Crown Passes On
Following Boltinhouse’s disqualification, the Miss North Carolina USA title has been passed to the first runner-up, Myla Hadley. Hadley is now set to represent North Carolina at the Miss USA pageant, scheduled to begin on August 24 in Miami.
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between personal expression, particularly online, and the public image and standards expected of titleholders in major pageants. While Boltinhouse maintains her faith and political views were the deciding factors, organizers insist the removal was a consequence of specific past actions and statements deemed inappropriate for the role.
