News Summary
The recent Miss North Carolina USA pageant has sparked controversy following the disqualification of runner-up Preslie Ross over alleged rule violations, while Lourdes Madera was crowned amidst questions about her eligibility. Ross’s attorney claims Madera participated in multiple state pageants and challenges the accusations against Ross. Legal tensions mount as Ross’s team threatens action unless she is reinstated. The situation highlights challenges within pageant organizations as the Miss USA organization faces its own internal transitions.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – Controversy has erupted following the recent Miss North Carolina USA pageant, which took place from August 29 to 31. Preslie Ross, the pageant’s runner-up, has been disqualified for alleged rule violations, while Lourdes Madera was crowned Miss North Carolina USA 2025 amidst questions surrounding her eligibility to compete.
Ross’s attorney has publicly asserted that Madera did not meet the competition requirements. Allegations specify that Madera participated in other state pageants this year, which contradicts pageant rules stating that contestants may not compete in more than two state pageants annually. Meanwhile, the production company, A Blaize Productions, which organized the event, has declared Madera’s eligibility was confirmed with the Miss USA organization.
The disqualification of Ross has raised eyebrows as well. Pageant organizers accuse her of breaking specific rules. Allegations include claims that Ross used a beauty bar without paying and that her partner, Travis Stancil, was found in an unauthorized area near the contestants’ dressing room. Ross maintains that she had been granted permission by a staff member to use the makeup bar under the condition of payment.
Ross’s legal representation challenges the accusations against her, arguing that if the beauty bar issue was indeed a violation of the rules, it should have been addressed prior to the end of the competition. Ross was informed that she could use the beauty bar, and it is claimed that a lack of prior notice about her disqualification is unjust. Additionally, Stancil has provided a recorded conversation indicating that judges had initially selected Ross as the winner, which intensifies the dispute.
To further complicate matters, Nic Blaize, representing A Blaize Productions, has confirmed that judges were instructed not to crown Ross as the winner despite her initial selection. Stancil also contends that he had permission to be in the area near the dressing room, insisting that he did not enter the contestants’ dressing rooms themselves. This has resulted in a need for clarity regarding the boundaries of the event and the specific rules that were in place.
Legal tensions are mounting, as Ross’s attorney, Heather Lee O’Brien, has threatened to initiate legal action against A Blaize Productions unless Ross is reinstated as the rightful winner. O’Brien has indicated that she has ties to national media and is ready to publicize the case should it be necessary. Following the allegations made by Ross’s team about Madera’s participation in multiple state competitions, the situation is complicated further by pending investigations as to Madera’s compliance with pageant rules.
In the broader context, the Miss USA organization is currently undergoing a transition, with the appointment of a new CEO amid internal controversies, adding another layer of scrutiny to this already complex situation. The outcome of this dispute not only raises questions about who will officially represent North Carolina at the upcoming Miss USA pageant but also highlights the challenges faced by pageant organizations in maintaining standards under public and legal pressures.
As the situation develops, stakeholders in the pageant community and the public alike are awaiting further details regarding the resolution of these allegations. The Miss North Carolina USA pageant, along with its contestants, now stands at the center of a legal and ethical discourse that will shape its future.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Miss North Carolina USA Disqualification Dispute
- Wikipedia: Miss USA
- Post and Courier: Disqualified Miss North Carolina USA Runner-Up
- Google Search: Miss North Carolina USA
- Post and Courier: Miss North Carolina Pageant Explained in Viral TikTok Video
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pageantry
- Post and Courier: Miss USA Organization Controversy
- Google News: Miss USA Disqualification
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
