The Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants will not be broadcast on The CW Network this year, a significant change announced just a week before the competitions are set to begin on 20 August 2024. The announcement was made via the pageant’s official Instagram account, citing unresolved contractual issues related to production arrangements.
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This decision follows last year’s Miss USA event, which was notably the first occasion in nearly six decades that the pageant did not air live on traditional television since it began in 1965. Instead of a televised event, last year’s competition was streamed on Queen Beauty Network, a pattern that is expected to continue this year amidst ongoing organisational upheaval.
In their statement, the Miss USA organisation expressed gratitude to The CW for their past collaboration and left the door open for potential future partnerships. A spokesperson for The CW Network confirmed the decision, wishing the pageant and its participants luck. The prompt withdrawal from broadcasting arrangements has left many pondering the future of the pageant series.
The CW had previously entered into a three-year deal with the pageant in April 2024, under the leadership of Laylah Rose, who was CEO at the time. However, that partnership was quickly overshadowed by controversy, as both Miss USA 2023, Noelia Voigt, and Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia Srivastava, resigned from their titles alleging bullying by Rose. Such claims led to an unprecedented situation in the pageant’s extensive history.
Amidst the turmoil, Thom Brodeur stepped in as the new president and CEO of the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA brands, with his appointment marked by significant announcements and legal disputes. His assumption of leadership was contested by Rose almost immediately, with public disagreements surfacing regarding the management of the pageants. Brodeur’s role was eventually solidified when the Miss Universe Organisation confirmed his appointment as Rose’s successor.
The current preparations for the Miss USA competition have been marred by further controversy. On 5 August, Miss North Carolina USA, Brittany Boltinhouse, was stripped of her title just weeks before the event, a decision reportedly made in conjunction with Boltinhouse, her state directors, and the organisation itself due to violations of conduct standards. Subsequently, her runner-up, Myla Hadley, has been elevated to represent North Carolina at the finals.
Brodeur stated that the pageant upholds strict standards against racism, homophobia, and transphobia, emphasising a commitment to dignity and respect for all individuals associated with the organisation. Following her dismissal, Boltinhouse voiced concerns in an interview that her political and social beliefs may have influenced the decision, suggesting that her conservative viewpoint led to her being treated unfairly.
In light of her sudden removal, Boltinhouse has engaged legal counsel to address what she refers to as the unjustified revocation of her title. This legal development adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging year for the pageant, which is striving to restore its reputation and stability amidst a backdrop of internal strife and public scrutiny.
As the Miss USA pageant approaches, it remains to be seen how these controversies will affect not only the competition but also the public’s perception of the brand as it attempts to navigate this turbulent period. The return to a streaming format, combined with the absence of a live television audience, marks a new chapter in the history of the pageant that could have lasting implications for its future.
With the presence of these challenges, the upcoming pageants are poised to be watched closely, not only for the celebration of beauty and talent but also as a reflection of the evolving dynamics within the pageant industry itself. Fans and participants alike are left wondering what the future holds for the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA competitions moving forward.