Brittany Boltinhouse sues Miss USA Organization for defamation over posts
Brittany Boltinhouse, who recently lost her Miss North Carolina USA 2026 title, is taking the Miss USA Organization to court for defamation.
She says they unfairly labeled her as racist, homophobic, and transphobic after old social media posts resurfaced.
The suit, filed August 23 in Duplin County, North Carolina, names the pageant's top leaders and claims their statements damaged her reputation.
Boltinhouse seeks compensation for lost opportunities
Boltinhouse isn't fighting to get her crown back but argues that public accusations have seriously hurt her emotionally and professionally.
She points to six posts from 2017 and 2019, including a racial slur and support for controversial figures, which the pageant used as justification.
She also says officials were motivated by fear of backlash and attempted to get her to approve an apology statement she says portrayed her as bigoted.
Now she's seeking compensation for lost opportunities, like missing out on competing at Miss USA, and emotional distress.
The Miss USA Organization hasn't responded yet.