The Miss Grand USA organisation has recently appointed Victoria Oluwakotanmi as its new titleholder for 2026, following the surprising dethronement of the former titleholder, Mekyla Li. The decision to remove Li from her position stemmed from serious legal issues, including pending felony charges related to an alleged hit-and-run incident.
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On 21 August 2023, the Miss Grand USA organisation announced Oluwakotanmi’s coronation as the new Miss Grand USA. This came just days after they announced that Li was relieved of her duties due to actions that violated the organisation’s contractual policies. A statement from Miss Grand USA highlighted the transition as a new beginning not only for Oluwakotanmi but also for the organisation itself, emphasizing the responsibilities attached to representing the United States in international competitions.
Mekyla Li’s legal troubles have made headlines in recent weeks. The former queen is currently facing felony charges associated with a hit-and-run incident that allegedly occurred in November 2024. Court records indicate that she has been charged with two counts: one for causing non-serious injury and another for causing serious and permanent injury, underscoring the severity of the allegations against her.
The reported incident involved Li and another individual, Michael Scobey, who are being sued for negligence, reckless driving, and other offences. These charges stem from an alleged collision while driving on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, which reportedly resulted in catastrophic injuries to another driver, Anna Mercedes Aoun. Aoun claims she suffered life-altering injuries and has stated that neither Li nor Scobey attempted to assist after the crash, opting instead to flee the scene.
In addition to her legal struggles, it has come to light that Li’s past marriage could also be grounds for disqualification from the Miss Grand International pageant, as contestants are required to be unmarried and have never been pregnant. Li was married from August 2018 until December 2019, raising important questions about her eligibility under Miss Grand International’s guidelines.
As Li’s legal battles unfold, she has not commented publicly on her dethronement or the details surrounding her charges. Attempts to seek comment from Li’s representatives and the Miss Grand USA organisation have gone unanswered, leaving many questions surrounding her sudden exit from the pageant.
Victoria Oluwakotanmi’s assumption of the title places her at the forefront as Miss Grand USA, where she is expected to embody the principles and values of the organisation. Her background includes previous titles such as Miss Grand Massachusetts 2026 and Miss Asia USA 2025, showcasing her experience in pageantry.
The Miss Grand USA organisation plays a crucial role in preparing representatives for the international stage, and Oluwakotanmi’s appointment is seen as an opportunity for a fresh start. The transition also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the integrity of pageant titles and the standards expected of titleholders.
As the pageant evolves, eyes will be on Oluwakotanmi as she prepares for upcoming challenges that come with her new role. Her journey is sure to include not only personal growth but also the honour of representing her country on an international level in the Miss Grand International pageant. The landscape of beauty pageants continues to change, and incidents like this highlight the pressures and responsibilities faced by contestants and titleholders alike.
While Mekyla Li’s future remains uncertain amid her legal troubles, her dethronement serves as a pivotal moment for the Miss Grand USA organisation, reflecting an unwavering commitment to uphold the values and expectations of the pageant world.