Mekyla Li has been stripped of her title as Miss Grand USA 2026 just one week after winning the crown, pageant organizers announced.
The organization confirmed that the decision was taken in accordance with the terms and policies of the contest contract, following public questions regarding her eligibility and a legal case related to a traffic accident.
Contract Policies and Eligibility Scrutiny
In an official statement, Miss Grand USA explained that the decision to remove Li complied with the terms and policies established in the pageant contract. However, the organization did not publicly specify the precise circumstances that led to withdrawing her crown.
Addressing the public reaction, pageant officials requested that all dialogue surrounding the matter take place with respect. The organization also expressed its firm rejection of harassment, intimidation, defamation, degrading comments, and personal attacks against those involved.
The dethronement followed growing scrutiny on social media platforms, where users questioned the former queen's eligibility to hold the crown. The concerns included allegations concerning an ongoing divorce process that was reportedly undisclosed during the contest, raising doubts about a potential breach of rules regarding participants' marital status.
Traffic Incident Allegations and Background
Adding to the controversy are reports of a legal case involving a traffic collision. According to these reports, the vehicle driven by Li allegedly struck a person and subsequently left the scene. Miss Grand USA did not detail in its statement whether these specific allegations were the reasons for her dethronement.
Major beauty pageants typically maintain strict contractual guidelines regarding candidate eligibility, marital status, and legal standing. Miss Grand USA is the national competition that selects the representative of the United States for international pageantry.
Before obtaining the national crown, Li previously won the title of Miss Asia USA 2025. Born in Los Angeles, California, to parents of Chinese and South African descent, Li's crowning had also generated controversy due to her family background.
Succession for International Competition
Following her departure, first runner-up Victoria Oluwakotanmi is expected to assume the title of Miss Grand USA. She will step into the role as the national representative for the upcoming global contest.
Oluwakotanmi is expected to represent the United States at Miss Grand International 2026, which is scheduled to take place on October 10 in India.
