Former Miss North Carolina USA Sues Pageant for Defamation

Aug 24, 2026

65 min

Aug 24, 2026 06:31

Former Miss North Carolina USA sues Miss USA pageant, alleges defamation over statements made after dethroning

## Legal Battle Over Defamation Claims

Brittany Boltinhouse, previously crowned Miss North Carolina USA, has initiated a defamation lawsuit against the Miss USA organization. Filed in Duplin County Superior Court, the lawsuit targets the organization, its chairman Thom Brodeur, and North Carolina pageant operators.

## Allegations of Character Defamation

Boltinhouse, who lost her title earlier this month, claims that statements made by the pageant officials have damaged her reputation. She argues that these statements falsely portrayed her as a bigot, affecting her professional opportunities.

## Background of the Dispute

The controversy began when old social media posts by Boltinhouse resurfaced, including some from 2017 and 2019 where she used a racial slur. She acknowledges these posts but contends that her political and religious views were the real reasons for her dethroning. Boltinhouse claims to have recorded conversations with pageant officials that support her assertion.

## Seeking Compensation

Boltinhouse is seeking damages for reputational harm and lost opportunities, including the chance to compete for Miss USA and potential sponsorships. She is also pursuing punitive damages and legal costs.

## Pageant's Initial Statement

The Miss USA organization announced Boltinhouse's removal on August 5, citing conduct violations without detailing specifics. Boltinhouse's attorney argues that she was unfairly branded with serious accusations, impacting her personal and professional life.

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