Stripped Crown: Former Miss North Carolina USA Speaks Out

Former Miss North Carolina USA, Brittany Boltinhouse, addressed her recent removal from the title. She believes her conservative Christian values influenced this decision. The Miss USA Organization announced on August 5 that Boltinhouse had been stripped of her title. Chairman Thom Brodeur did not provide specific details but stated the organization opposes racism, homophobia, and transphobia.

Boltinhouse’s reign ended just weeks after her state title win and shortly before appearing in the national Miss USA pageant. In an interview with the Carolina Journal, Boltinhouse described losing the title as a ‘blessing in disguise’.

Brittany Boltinhouse was crowned Miss North Carolina recently and was to represent the state at the Miss USA pageant. (Instagram/espino.sosa)

She expressed relief, saying, “I’m very much at peace and I’m actually glad it happened to me and not some other young lady.” Boltinhouse cannot discuss the reasons behind her title loss due to a confidentiality agreement, but she attributes it to her political and religious stance as a conservative Christian.

“I believe and think I was stripped from my title because of my political stance and my belief system,” she said. Boltinhouse emphasized her pride in her faith and beliefs: “I’m a proud conservative woman, but a Christian woman. I’m a God-fearing woman.”

Brittany Boltinhouse as Miss Wilmington, USA at the North Carolina Azalea Festival. (Instagram/espino.sosa)

When asked if conservatism was disqualifying in the pageant system, Boltinhouse stated that people should freely express their beliefs. She also mentioned uncertainty about her support for President Donald Trump affecting the decision: “I don’t know. I wasn’t really given anything.”

Brittany Boltinhouse as Miss Wilmington, USA. (Instagram/espino.sosa)

Despite her removal, Boltinhouse expressed forgiveness towards the organization and hopes her situation inspires others to uphold their beliefs. “Hopefully see me as an example,” she stated. “To always stand for what you believe.”

Myla Hadley, the state competition first runner-up, will now represent North Carolina on the national stage. Brodeur emphasized the organization’s support for Hadley and noted that Boltinhouse was involved in the decision-making process. He highlighted that accountability should not entail cruelty or personal attacks.