Miss Grand USA crowns new 2026 queen after titleholder’s termination
The organization of Miss Grand USA announced Victoria Oluwakotanmi as its new 2026 queen, after it terminated titleholder Mekayla Li’s reign “in accordance with [its] contractual policies.”
Li’s title was revoked by the pageant organization over a week after she was crowned at the finals night held last Aug. 10.
“Miss Grand USA announces the termination of Mekayla Li’s reign and her release from the Miss Grand USA Title and all associated duties. This decision was made in accordance with contractual policies outlined by the [organization],” the pageant said in a statement released on its social media pages on Wednesday, Aug. 19.
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“We ask that all dialogue surrounding this transition remain respectful. Miss Grand USA stands firmly against bullying, harassment, defamation, degrading remarks and personal attacks of any kind,” it added.
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While the pageant organization did not expound on the reason behind Li’s dethronement, fans speculate that the decision has something to do with the beauty queen’s reported ongoing criminal and civil trials for an alleged hit-and-run incident in 2024.
Divorce records obtained by foreign media also showed that Li had previously been married, which violates the pageant’s eligibility criteria. The organization, however, has yet to confirm or deny the speculations.
Oluwakotanmi, who initially emerged as the first runner-up, was officially announced as the new 2026 titleholder on Friday, Aug. 21.
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The 2026 Miss Grand International pageant is set to be held in India in October. /ra
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