Brittany Boltinhouse, the woman who was named Miss North Carolina earlier this year, has officially been stripped of her title. The decision comes after her old social media posts surfaced, in which she used racist verbiage.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Miss North Carolina Stripped of Title After Racists Posts Surface
A report from NC Beat accused Boltinhouse of using a firestorm of racial slurs on social media. Under an alias account between 2017 and 2019.
Officials at A-Blaize Productions, who produces the pageant officially decided to strip the recently crowned Miss North Carolina on Wednesday (August 4).
In a statement following the decision, officials said that taking the title away from Boltinhouse was a "difficult" choice.
"This decision was not made lightly," the committee said in a statement. "It followed a thorough review of recently surfaced information 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."
They also emphasized that along with the title, the chosen Miss North Carolina is expected to "uphold the standards and values that our titleholders agree to embrace when accepting the honor of wearing the crown."
Thom Brodeur, president and CEO of Miss USA, also chimed in on the decision. And while he didn't disclose exactly what Boltinhouse said, Brodeur emphasized that the board "does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia, nor language that strips any person of their dignity - whoever they are."
He also added: "It is the floor of what it means to represent this brand."
Boltinhouse Reflects on Life Changing Moment
After she was awarded the title earlier this year, Boltinhouse called being named Miss North Carolina a life-changing moment.
"There are moments in life that forever change who you are. This is one of mine," she said. As for me, I carry this crown with immense pride. Representation matters, and I hope every little girl who has ever wondered if she belongs can see that she does."
She also paid homage to her parents for building the "foundation" of the woman that she has become.
"Mom and Dad... thank you for being the foundation of the woman I am today. Your sacrifices, your faith, and your love built the character that stands beneath this crown. This crown is bigger than me. It's for the people who have been underestimated," Boltinhouse added.
No word on if the committee will choose a replacement.
